[Combined application of physiotherapy and acupuncture in patients with knee osteoarthrosis]

RATIONALE

Osteoarthrosis (OA) is one of the most common heterogeneous diseases. OA treatment is stopping the pain syndrome with the help of medical methods. Currently, there are no comprehensive programs, including a combination of physiotherapy and acupuncture, in the treatment of OA.

AIM

The scientific justification and development of a comprehensive treatment for patients with OA of the knee joints (OAKJ) using transdermal electropharmstimulation (TEFS) and acupuncture in microacupuncture zones of the hand and foot.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 210 patients with OAKJ who underwent outpatient treatment at LLC 'Sanatorium 'Zelenaya Roscha'', Republic of Bashkortostan (Ufa) in 2014-2017. Patients were divided into 3 groups at random. The groups were comparable by medical and demographic characteristics (gender, age), average duration and stage of the disease, and body mass index. The 1st group (comparison group) included 70 patients who were prescribed TEFS with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, combined with traditional drug treatment. In the 2nd group (main group) - 70 patients who underwent TEFS with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in combination with acupuncture in the microacupuncture zones of the hand and foot, as well as traditional drug therapy. In the 3rd group (control group) - 70 patients who received only drug therapy with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug of 15 mg/day. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated on the 4th, 7th, 11th, 11th and 12-15th days of treatment based on the timing of the relief of the pain syndrome, the dynamics of the clinical presentation of the disease, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the McGill pain questionnaire, tensoalgometry, electromyography of the thigh muscles, as well as changes in blood microcirculation in the knee joints on the 1st - 5th day of treatment.

RESULTS

It was found that the combined use of TEFS and acupuncture in the microacupuncture zones of the hand and foot in patients with OAKJ relieves pain earlier than in the patients of the control group and the comparison group, and also leads to an increase in tensoalgometry, a decrease in VAS pain, and a decrease in the number of words-descriptors and sums of ranks, normalization of the amplitude of electric potentials and the frequency of muscle contractions of the thigh muscles, improvement of microcirculation of blood of the knee joints faster.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results indicate the high efficiency of the combined use of TEFS and acupuncture in the microacupuncture zones of the hand and foot in the treatment of patients with OAKJ.

Paradoxical response to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in patients with intraretinal cystoid spaces

Background: Intraretinal cystoid spaces (IRCS) are fluid-filled spaces seen in some retinal dystrophies and often treated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The purpose of this study is to report an unexpected bilateral improvement in the IRCS after discontinuation of therapy. Material and Methods: We identified from our records 23 patients with retinal dystrophy and IRCS who had been treated with topical and/or oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. All subjects had regular follow-up with OCT and previous genetic testing. Results: We identified four (17%) patients who experienced a bilateral and symmetrical paradoxical improvement in IRCS size and visual acuity after discontinuation of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Two were mutations in RS1, one in CLN3 and another in NR2E3. All patients were followed for at least three years (range 39-63 months). None had systemic abnormalities. Conclusions: Patients with IRCS may exhibit a paradoxical response after discontinuation of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Although the pathophysiology of these phenomena is unclear, stopping treatment may be an option in patients who cease to improve or get worse on treatment.

[Prolonged prevention of venous thromboembolic complications (VTECS): who is it indicated for and how should it be carried out?]

The publication contains a review of present-day positions on prolonged prevention of venous thromboembolic complications. This is followed by considering the role of risk factors, probabilistic value of prognostic scales, as well as reflecting the provisions of the recent Russian and international consensus documents concerned. Careful consideration is given to the major possible parameters a physician could be guided by in real clinical practice while choosing and deciding upon appropriate terms of prevention. Also shown are possibilities of using novel oral anticoagulants in practical implementation of such regimens.

Aplasia of cochlear nerves and olfactory bulbs in association with SOX10 mutation

A 17-month-old boy was referred with profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), severe visual impairment and developmental delay. Neuroimaging identified hypomyelination and cochlear nerve aplasia. He was noted to have fair skin and hair and multiple areas of cutaneous hyperpigmentation. Previous investigations including karyotype, array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and a full metabolic screen were normal. A novel missense mutation of the highly conserved high mobility group (HMG) domain of SOX10 was identified (Q174P:c.521A>C). This case represents the first description of aplasia of the cochlear nerve due to a SOX10 mutation.

[Balanced postoperative analgesia in abdominal surgery: efficiency of the combined use of epidural block and non-opioid analgesics]

One hundred patients who had undergone elective surgery for abdominal malignancy were enrolled in the randomized, controlled study. Postoperative analgesia included only continuous epidural analgesia (PEA) or PEA with intramuscular ketorolac, or PEA with intramuscular ketorolac and intravenous paracetamol. The systemic use of ketorolac and paracetamol in addition to continuous epidural anesthesia can reduce a need for a local anesthetic and the intensity of postoperative movement pain.

[Role of paracetamol in a balanced postoperative analgesia scheme after thoracotomy]

The efficiency of paracetamol used in the balanced multimodal analgesia after thoracotomy still remains unclear. The prospective study covered 75 adult patients operated on the chest. The patients were randomized to 3 groups. They all received epidural autoanalgesia with a mixture of fentanyl (2 microg/ml) in 0.2% ropivacaine solution and intramuscular injections of ketorolac, 30 mg, every 8 hours. In Group 1 (n = 25), paracetamol was intravenously injected in a dose of 4 g daily. In Group 2 (n = 23), rectal paracetamol was used in an equipotential dose. In Group 3 (n = 24), paracetamol was not given. Within the first 24 postoperative hours, the severity of the pain syndrome and the incidence of adverse reactions of analgesia were estimated in all the patients. The obtained data were compared using Student's t-test and x2 test, by taking into account Bonferroni's correction. The p values of < 0.0017 were determined as statistically significant. The resting VAS did not differ between the groups. In cough, the severity of the pain syndrome was significantly less in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3. The use of the epidural mixture of ropivacaine and fentanyl required for adequate analgesia within the first 24 hours after surgery was much less in Groups 1 and 2 than that in Group 3. The high incidence of skin itch (20%) and urinary retention (8%) was observed in Group 3 (p < 0.017). No difference was found between the groups in the development of dyspepsia. The use of paracetamol in the postoperative multimodal analgesic therapy program after thoracotomy reduces the daily dose of epidurally administered ropivacaine and fentanyl with evident upgrade of analgesia quality, and the incidence of opioid-induced adverse reactions.

[Use of an endobronchial valve in complex treatment of patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis]

The results of treatment were analyzed in 118 patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis. In patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis, generation of therapeutic hypoventilation and atelectasis of the affected part of the lung by means of an endobronchial valve contributes to stabilization and regression of a tuberculous process, closure of decay cavities, and cessation of bacterial excretion.

[Efficiency of preemptive intravenous paracetamol analgesia in abdominal surgery]

In a randomized, controlled study, 50 patients underwent elective surgery for abdominal cancer lesions under perioperative epidural analgesia. All the patients were randomized to receive paracetamol in a single intravenous dose of 1 g or placebo 30 minutes prior to the start of surgery. The use of 1 g of paracetamol as a single intravenous preemptive dose in abdominal surgery with perioperative epidural analgesia does not reduce the consumption of the analgesic and the intensity of pain in the postoperative period.

[Valvular bronchoblocation in the treatment of patients with disseminated drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis]

The results of treatment are analyzed in 89 patients with disseminated drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. The application of an endobronchial back valve to patients with drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis gives rise to hypoventilation and atelectasis in the affected areas of the lung, promotes the stabilization and regression of a tuberculous process, and it is not attended by the development of endobronchial complications.

Prevalence, risk factors, and outcome of uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A long-term followup study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence, risk factors, and long-term outcome of uveitis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

An inception cohort of all 1,081 patients diagnosed as having JIA at a single tertiary care center was established. A questionnaire and followup telephone calls were used to confirm the diagnosis of uveitis. Ophthalmologists' records of patients with uveitis were collected. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to assess risk factors for developing uveitis and for complications of uveitis.

RESULTS

After a mean followup time of 6.9 years, 142 of 1,081 patients (13.1%) had developed uveitis. Risk factors were young age at diagnosis, female sex, antinuclear antibody positivity, and the subtype of JIA. The relative contribution of these risk factors was different for the different subtypes of JIA. Until the end of the study, uveitis complications had developed in 53 of 142 patients with uveitis (37.3%; 4.9% of the total cohort). Only 16 of 175 involved eyes (9.1%) in 14 of 108 patients (13%; 1.3% of the total cohort) for whom ophthalmology reports were available had best corrected visual acuity less than 20/40 (mean followup time for uveitis of 6.3 years). Abnormal vision was associated with synechiae or cataract.

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for developing uveitis were different among subtypes of JIA. The long-term outcome of JIA-associated uveitis in our cohort was excellent despite the high rate of complications.

[Use of valvular bronchoblocation in the complex treatment of patients with disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by pulmonary hemorrhage]

The results of treatment are analyzed in 102 patients with disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by pulmonary hemorrhage. The authors have developed and clinically tested a procedure for arresting pulmonary hemorrhage by creating therapeutic hypoventilation and atelectasis of a lung portion, in which there is a source of bleeding, by using valvular bronchoblocation of the draining bronchus. The application of valvular bronchoblocation to patients with pulmonary bleeding enhances the efficiency of complex treatment and reduces mortality by 4.9 times and a need for emergency and urgent surgical interventions by 7.4 times.

[Use of endobronchial valve in postresection empyema and residual cavities with bronchopleural fistulas]

The results of treatment are analyzed in 78 patients with brochopleural fistilas after lung surgery. A method for imaging the draining bronchus under endoscopic guidance, by using the foamed dye administered into the residual cavity, has been developed. A valvular bronchial blocker for abolishing the function of bronchopleural fistular inserted into the lobular and segmental bronchus at bronchoscopy was designed and clinically tested. This procedure allows resurgery to be avoided in 91.7% of cases.

Risk of new-onset uveitis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with anti-TNFalpha agents

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)-blocking agents alters the incidence of new-onset uveitis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study based on retrospective chart review. The charts of all 1109 patients with a diagnosis of JIA seen between January 1, 1996, and June 30, 2003, at our clinic were reviewed for diagnosis of uveitis and treatment with TNFalpha inhibitors. Cox regression analysis was performed with anti-TNFalpha treatment as a time-dependent covariate for risk of development of uveitis.

RESULTS

We identified 70 patients treated with anti-TNFalpha without a prior diagnosis of uveitis. Two of these 70 patients (2.9%), both treated with etanercept, had development of new-onset uveitis during anti-TNFalpha therapy. One had juvenile psoriatic arthritis diagnosed 4.1 years before onset of uveitis. The other had extended oligoarticular JIA diagnosed 6.4 years before onset of uveitis. We found no statistically significant difference in the risk for development of uveitis between patients with or without anti-TNFalpha treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In our patients with JIA, anti-TNFalpha treatment did not alter the risk for development of new-onset uveitis. However, anti-TNFalpha therapy with etanercept did not prevent the development of uveitis in 2 patients.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibitors in the treatment of childhood uveitis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the efficacy of anti-TNF-alpha agents in the treatment of childhood uveitis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all children with uveitis treated with TNF-alpha blockers at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto.

RESULTS

Twenty-one children with uveitis were treated with the anti-TNF-alpha agents etanercept (11 patients) and infliximab (13 patients), resulting in 24 treatment courses. All patients had persistently active uveitis despite treatment with at least one standard immunosuppressive drug before the start of anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Six of 21 patients (29%) had idiopathic uveitis. In the other 15 patients, the underlying disease was juvenile idiopathic arthritis in 12 (57%), Behçet disease in two (9%) and sarcoidosis in one (5%). Response to etanercept treatment was good in 27%, moderate in 27% and poor in 45% of patients. Response to infliximab treatment was good in 38%, moderate in 54% and poor in 8% of patients. The difference in the percentage of patients with a moderate or good response was statistically significant (P = 0.0481). We also observed a lower rate of complications, such as new-onset or worsening glaucoma or cataract in the infliximab-treated group.

CONCLUSION

Anti-TNF-alpha treatment was beneficial in a high percentage of patients with childhood uveitis refractory to standard immunosuppressive treatment. Infliximab resulted in better clinical responses with less ocular complications than etanercept.

[Possibilities provided by chronopuncture in treatment of arterial hypertension in the young]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-hypertensive therapy with application of chronopuncture as a non-drug method of arterial pressure correction in patients with essential hypertension (EH). An offered and introduced utility model was applied. Its application leads to achievement of maximal anti-hypertensive effect of reflexotherapy, which shortens the treatment and increases the effectiveness of acupuncture in treatment of EH.

Ocular manifestations of crush head injury in children

AIMS

To review the ocular manifestations of crush head injuries in children.

METHODS

Retrospective clinical and pathological reviews. Group 1: A total of 16 children admitted with crush head injuries from television tip over. Group 2: Nine autopsy findings in crush head injury.

RESULTS

Group 1: A total of 11 children had fundus examination: three by neurosurgeons, eight by ophthalmologists. Scattered posterior pole preretinal and blot haemorrhages extending to mid equator region observed in one child. No evidence of traumatic retinoschisis or retinal folds in any patient. Group 2: All with multiple skull fractures and six with subdural haemorrhage. Posterior pole retinal haemorrhages in four children, extending to the ora serrata in one after motor vehicle accident. No child had retinal folds. Subinternal limiting membrane haemorrhages in three children. Optic nerve sheath haemorrhage in three children.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraretinal and preretinal haemorrhages, predominantly in the posterior pole, can occur in crush injury to the paediatric head. Haemorrhage under the internal limiting membrane or extending to the ora serrata were only seen in situations where crush injury was part of a fatal trauma scenario related to motor vehicles. Retinal folds and the typical macular retinoschisis associated with abusive head injury were not observed.

Protective ocular mechanisms in woodpeckers

AIMS

Woodpeckers possess mechanisms protecting the eye from shaking/impact. Mechanisms available to woodpeckers but not humans may help explain some eye injuries in Shaken Baby syndrome (SBS).

METHODS

Gross dissection and histologic examination of eyes and orbits of seven woodpeckers.

RESULTS

All birds showed restricted axial globe movement due to the tight fit within the orbit and fascial connections between the orbital rim and sclera. The sclera was reinforced with cartilage and bone, the optic nerve lacked redundancy, and the vitreous lacked attachments to the posterior pole retina.

CONCLUSIONS

Woodpecker eyes differ from human infants by an inability of the globe to move axially in the orbit, the sclera to deform, and the vitreous to shear the retina. These findings support current hypotheses that abusive acceleration-deceleration-induced ocular injury in human infants may be related to translation of vitreous within the globe and the globe within the orbit. The woodpecker presents a natural model resistant to mechanical forces that have some similarity to SBS.

Ophthalmic Pseudomonas infection in infancy

Four infants developed invasive Pseudomonas aeruginosa ophthalmic infections between 5 and 90 days of age. Three died from septicaemia, and the fourth required enucleation of one eye. Absent red reflexes or other eye signs in a septicaemic infant merit urgent ophthalmological assessment for endophthalmitis, in particular, Pseudomonas.

Functional analyses of two newly identified PITX2 mutants reveal a novel molecular mechanism for Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome

The specific role of PITX2 in the pathogenesis of anterior segment dysgenesis has yet to be clearly defined. We provide here new insight into PITX2 pathogenesis through mutational and functional analyses. Three PITX2 mutations were found in a screen of 38 unrelated individuals affected with anterior segment anomalies (8%). All three mutations were found among the 21 individuals affected with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS). We have identified two novel mutations, a valine-->leucine (V45L) missense mutation at position 45 within the PITX2 homeodomain, and a seven amino acid duplication (7aaDup) of residues 6-12 of the homeodomain. DNA-binding studies of the two mutant PITX2 proteins demonstrated a <10-fold reduction in the DNA-binding activity of the V45L mutant, and a >100-fold reduction in activity of the 7aaDup mutant. Luciferase reporter assays showed a >200% increase in PITX2 transactivation activity of the V45L mutant, while the 7aaDup mutant was unable to transactivate at detectable levels. Our analyses of the V45L PITX2 mutant reveal that the DNA-binding domain of PITX2 can influence transactivation activity independently of DNA binding. Furthermore, our findings expand the hypothesis that the amount of residual PITX2 activity underlies the variable severity of ocular phenotypes that result from PITX2 mutation. For the first time, we present evidence that increased PITX2 activity may underlie the severe ARS ocular phenotype. We conclude that increased activity of one PITX2 allele may be as physiologically disruptive as a mutation that nullifies a PITX2 allele, with either condition resulting in ARS.

Direct ophthalmoscopy in pediatric emergency care

Thorough knowledge about the basic ophthalmic examination is instrumental in the emergency department (ED) to determine the severity of eye emergencies and to develop a plan for treatment, including the possible need for an ophthalmology consultation. The direct ophthalmoscope is undoubtedly the most practical instrument available to a pediatric emergency physician for ophthalmic examination. However, the information elicited by its use is dependent on the quality of the instrument and the competency of the user. A greater understanding of the range of possibilities of the direct ophthalmoscope as a diagnostic tool will facilitate more efficient care of the pediatric patient.

The role of nasal endoscopy in repeat pediatric nasolacrimal duct probings

PURPOSE

To determine whether pediatric nasal endoscopy improves treatment success in recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out on 2 nonrandomized cohorts of consecutively treated patients who had one failed nasolacrimal duct probing at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto. The first cohort of 24 consecutive patients (32 eyes), group A, was treated with Crawford silicone tube intubation by one ophthalmologist (R.C.P.). The second cohort of 23 consecutive patients (33 eyes), group B, was treated with repeat probing by a second ophthalmologist (A.V.L.) in conjunction with nasal endoscopy by one otolaryngologist (V.F.). Abnormalities found on endoscopy were treated accordingly, and no tubes were inserted. Follow-up, through phone interviews or office visits, was conducted to assess the patients' symptoms.

RESULTS

Group A patients were older at both the first probing (P = .048) and the second procedure (P = .012). No significant difference in the failure rates was found, with treatment failing in 3 eyes (2 patients) in group A and in 5 eyes (4 patients) in group B (P = .479). Interestingly, 17 of the 32 tubes in group A were extruded in 1 month or less. Also, 28 of 33 eyes in group B had abnormalities on endoscopy-some, multiple. Twenty-two eyes underwent inferior turbinate infracture: 5 had redundant mucosa, which was removed, and 6 had abnormal openings of the inferior meatus.

CONCLUSIONS

We were unable to show any benefit of nasal endoscopy over intubation of the nasolacrimal system with silicone tubes in the treatment of failed probings despite the identification and treatment of abnormalities. The study was limited by its low power to detect differences because of the small number of patients and the high success rate of the traditional treatments for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Values of electroretinogram responses according to axial length

Accurate interpretation of electroretinograms (ERGs) requires knowledge of effects of axial myopia on ERG responses. Our purpose was to derive expected changes of ERG responses according to axial length, to stimulus conditions that conform to the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) Standard for Electroretinography. ERGs from 60 subjects were recorded. The subjects were assigned to one of three groups according to the level of myopia. Thirty-three subjects had high myopia (-6.00 D to -14.50 D; mean age, 31 years), eight had mild myopia (-3.00 D to -5.00; mean age, 28 years), and 19 had a small refractive error (+0.75 D to -2.75 D; mean age, 27 years). No subjects had myopic retinopathy. Stimulus-response curves were fitted to dark-adapted b-wave amplitudes and maximum amplitude and semi-saturation constants derived. Axial lengths, measured with A scan ultrasound, ranged from 22.2 mm to 30.0 mm. Analysis of variance and post hoc t-tests revealed significant difference between subjects with high myopia and subjects with small refractive error for ERG amplitude data. There were no significant differences between the three groups for implicit times, the ratio of b- to a-wave and semi-saturation constant. There is linear reduction in the logarithmic transform of ERG amplitude with increasing axial length, related more to axial length than refractive error. We provide relative slope and intercept values, allowing labs to derive expected ERG amplitudes according to axial length. These derivations are valid for persons with no retinopathy.

Mutations in the CRB1 gene cause Leber congenital amaurosis

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that mutations in the CRB1 gene cause Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and, if so, to describe the ocular phenotype of patients with LCA who harbor CRB1 sequence variations.

PATIENTS

One hundred ninety probands with a clinical diagnosis of LCA were selected from a cohort of 233 probands ascertained in 5 different countries. The remaining 43 probands (18%) were excluded because they harbored sequence variations in previously identified LCA genes.

METHODS

One hundred ninety unrelated individuals with LCA were screened for coding sequence mutations in the CRB1 gene with single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis followed by automated DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Twenty-one of the 190 probands (9% of the total cohort of 233) and 2 (1.4%) of 140 controls harbored amino acid-altering sequence variations in the CRB1 gene (P =.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort of patients with LCA, coding sequence variations were observed in the CRB1 gene more frequently than in any of the other 5 known LCA-associated genes. Likely disease-causing sequence variations have now been identified in 64 (28%) of 233 subjects in this cohort.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Molecular diagnosis can confirm and clarify the diagnosis in an increasing fraction of patients with LCA. As genotype data accumulate, clinical phenotypes associated with specific mutations may be established. This will facilitate the counseling of patients regarding their visual prognosis and the likelihood of associated systemic anomalies.

Bioethics for clinicians: 23. Disclosure of medical error

Adverse events and medical errors are not uncommon. In this article we review the literature on such events and discuss the ethical, legal and practical aspects of whether and how they should be disclosed to patients. Ethics, professional policy and the law, as well as the relevant empirical literature, suggest that timely and candid disclosure should be standard practice. Candour about error may lessen, rather than increase, the medicolegal liability of the health care professionals and may help to alleviate the patient's concerns. Guidelines for disclosure to patients, and their families if necessary, are proposed.

A prospective evaluation of anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle, with and without resection, in the treatment of dissociated vertical deviation

BACKGROUND

Anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle (ATIO) has become a popular surgical treatment for dissociated vertical deviation (DVD), particularly in patients with coexisting inferior oblique muscle overaction (IOOA). We wanted to assess whether adding a resection improves the outcome compared with standard anteriorization.

METHODS

We undertook a prospective, randomized evaluation of ATIO, with and without a 7-mm resection, in patients with DVD of at least 5 PD in one eye. We included 51 eyes of 30 patients, 26 eyes treated with the standard ATIO and 25 treated with a 7-mm resection added. We recorded the size of the preoperative and final DVD, grade of the preoperative and final IOOA, rates of reoperation, and complications. Mean follow-up was 15.4 months in the standard group and 25.0 months in the resection group, with a minimum of 4 months for all cases.

RESULTS

The median preoperative and postoperative DVD was 12 PD and 4 PD in the standard group, respectively. This compared with 14 PD and 4 PD, respectively, in the resection group, representing no statistically significant difference in outcome. The presence or absence of IOOA did not influence the result of ATIO for either group. No significant complications of surgery occurred in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

ATIO is an effective treatment for DVD and can be used to treat DVD in patients with or without IOOA, with few adverse effects. Our study revealed no advantage to adding a 7-mm resection to the standard procedure.

Comparison of techniques for detecting visually evoked potential asymmetry in albinism

PURPOSE

We compared techniques for analyzing visually evoked potential (VEP) asymmetry in children with albinism to find one that could be used effectively and efficiently.

METHOD

Subjects included 21 child volunteers, ages 10 months to 6 years (control group) and 21 children with albinism, ages 2 months to 6 years (albinism group). Five-channel flash VEP was performed on all subjects. Electrodes were positioned at Oz, O1, O2, O3, and O4 (10/20 system). Data were analyzed by use of techniques previously described. These included inspection of the VEP waveforms, measurement of hemispheric waveform parameters, calculation of an asymmetry index, and use of a bipolar derivation between left and right hemispheric responses (interhemispheric difference potential). In addition, we quantified the interhemispheric difference potential by use of Pearson's correlation coefficient. Measurements of sensitivity and specificity determined the success of the 5 analysis paradigms. The accuracy of each paradigm represented the ability to classify the data according to volunteer or albinism group and is derived from both sensitivity and specificity measures.

RESULTS

Measurement of hemispheric differences in VEP waveform parameters was the least sensitive measure method for detecting multichannel VEP asymmetry in albinism. Comparison of left and right eye interhemispheric difference potential increased accuracy to 67%. Nonquantitative inspection of waveform demonstrated an accuracy of 76%. The asymmetry index and Pearson's correlate measure yielded accuracy rates of 79% and 83%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The efficiency and capability of Pearson's correlate measure in quantifying interhemispheric difference potentials to detect albinotic misrouting makes this a useful and practical technique in a pediatric clinic.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the eye in cystinosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the ocular ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) findings in patients with cystinosis.

METHODS

Six patients with infantile nephropathic cystinosis, aged 16 to 25 years, and 6 controls (matched for age and spherical refractive error) were examined clinically and with UBM. Scleral reflectivity, corneal and iris thickness, central anterior chamber depth, angle width, trabecular meshwork to ciliary process distance, and ciliary sulcus width were measured.

RESULTS

No patient had glaucoma or posterior synechiae, but all had crystals in the trabecular meshwork apparent with gonioscopy. Using UBM, the cornea and iris appeared similar in both groups, but the scleral reflectivity was increased in patients (P =.003). The angle was narrower in patients (mean +/- SD, 20 degrees +/- 7 degrees ) than controls (31 degrees +/- 5 degrees, P<. 001). The anterior chamber was shallower in patients (2556 +/- 197 microm) than controls (2968 +/- 284 microm, P<.001). The ciliary sulcus was closed or narrow in all patients (83 +/- 112 microm) compared with controls (339 +/- 135 microm, P<.001), with a reduction in the trabecular meshwork to ciliary process distance.

CONCLUSIONS

This report of ocular UBM findings in cystinosis demonstrated narrowing of the angle and a ciliary body configuration similar to that reported for plateau iris syndrome. Gonioscopy demonstrated crystals in the trabecular meshwork. These findings may explain the predisposition of these patients to glaucoma.

High-frequency ultrasonography findings in persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous

PURPOSE

To identify anatomic correlates in eyes with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) by using high-frequency ultrasonography.

METHOD

Three main groups of patients were studied by means of high-frequency ultrasonography over a 19-month period. Group I included 9 eyes of 9 patients with newly diagnosed unilateral PHPV. Group II included 4 eyes of 4 patients with unilateral PHPV that had been previously surgically treated. Group III included 22 eyes and was a control group of patients without PHPV. This group consisted of the 5 contralateral normal eyes of 5 patients with unilateral PHPV in the fellow eye, both eyes of one patient with uncomplicated unilateral cataracts, the affected eye of one patient with unilateral uncomplicated cataract, the affected eye of one patient with isolated retinal coloboma, and 13 normal eyes of 7 young adults. Group I and II patients also had B-scan ultrasonography performed and had any intraoperative findings noted.

RESULTS

Characteristic features of PHPV, such as centrally dragged ciliary processes and swollen anteriorly displaced lens, were observed only in those eyes with PHPV. A new echographic finding of a double linear echo was observed in the region of the pars plana or plicata only in eyes with PHPV. This finding was confirmed intraoperatively to be consistent with a thickened adherent anterior hyaloid face and not to be an anteriorly inserted peripheral retina.

CONCLUSION

High-frequency ultrasound can be reliably used to distinguish characteristic features of PHPV. To our knowledge this is the first such description of the use of high-frequency ultrasonography in PHPV eyes. Furthermore, the presence of a thickened adherent anterior hyaloid face may help explain the well-recognized complications of peripheral retinal tears and retinal detachments during and after surgical intervention.

Time courses for maturation of electroretinogram responses from infancy to adulthood

The purpose of this study was to determine how responses in the normal human electroretinogram (ERG) change with subject age. We studied 62 children, 10 days to 15 years old, and 30 subjects 15-37 years old, using the standard protocol established by the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision, with Burian-Allen bipolar contact-lens electrodes. We measured rod response, maximal response, oscillatory potentials (OPs), cone response, flicker response, and b-wave amplitude/log intensity (V/log I) curve. A logistic growth curve was used to describe the developmental changes. Dark- and light-adapted ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes reached adult levels by three to five years of age. although b-wave amplitudes of scotopic rod-mediated responses were slower to reach maturity than mixed rod-cone mediated responses. In early infancy OPs were the most immature of the ERG responses, although the rate of development thereafter exceeded that of the other responses such that OP amplitudes were within adult levels by two years of age. Amplitudes of the ERG responses in 21 children sedated with chloral hydrate did not differ significantly from 21 who had not been sedated. ERG responses developed at varying rates, reflecting different developmental stages in photoreceptors, middle retinal layers and more proximal retina.

Craniofacial dysmorphism, agenesis of the corpus callosum and ocular colobomas: Temtamy syndrome?

A possible new case of Temtamy syndrome is described in a male child. Clinical features of the present case and those described by Temtamy are discussed.

Molecular characterisation of congenital glaucoma in a consanguineous Canadian community: a step towards preventing glaucoma related blindness

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in Canada. Congenital glaucoma usually manifests during the first years of life and is characterised by severe visual loss and autosomal recessive inheritance. Two disease loci, on chromosomes 1p36 and 2p21, have been associated with various forms of congenital glaucoma. A branch of a large six generation family from a consanguineous Amish community in south western Ontario was affected with congenital glaucoma and was studied by linkage and mutational analysis to identify the glaucoma related genetic defects. Linkage analysis using the MLINK component of the LINKAGE package (v 5.1) showed evidence of linkage to the 2p21 region (Zmax=3.34, theta=0, D2S1348 and D2S1346). Mutational analysis of the primary candidate gene, CYP1B1, was done by direct cycle sequencing, dideoxy fingerprinting analysis, and fragment analysis. Two different disease causing mutations in exon 3, 1410del13 and 1505G-->A, both segregated with the disease phenotype. The two different combinations of these alleles appeared to result in a variable expressivity of the phenotype. The compound heterozygote appeared to have a milder phenotype when compared to the homozygotes for the 13 bp deletion. The congenital glaucoma phenotype for this large inbred Amish family is the result of mutations in CYP1B1 (2p21). The molecular information derived from this study will be used to help identify carriers of the CYP1B1 mutation in this community and optimise the management of those at risk of developing glaucoma.

Alström syndrome: further evidence for linkage to human chromosome 2p13

Alström syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by retinal degeneration, sensorineural hearing loss, early-onset obesity, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The gene for Alström syndrome (ALMS1) has been previously localized to human chromosome 2p13 by homozygosity mapping in two distinct isolated populations - French Acadian and North African. Pair-wise analyses resulted in maximum lod (logarithm of the odds ratio) scores of 3.84 and 2.9, respectively. To confirm these findings, a large linkage study was performed in twelve additional families segregating for Alström syndrome. A maximum two-point lod score of 7.13 (theta = 0.00) for marker D2S2110 and a maximum cumulative multipoint lod score of 9.16 for marker D2S2110 were observed, further supporting linkage to chromosome 2p13. No evidence of genetic heterogeneity was observed in these families. Meiotic recombination events have localized the critical region containing ALMS1 to a 6.1-cM interval flanked by markers D2S327 and D2S286. A fine resolution radiation hybrid map of 31 genes and markers has been constructed.

Rapid improvement in the acuity of infants after visual input

Visual acuity was assessed in 28 human infants who had been deprived of all patterned visual input by cataracts in one or both eyes until they were treated at 1 week to 9 months of age. Immediately after treatment, acuity was no better than that of normal newborns. Acuity improved significantly over the next month, with some improvement apparent after as little as 1 hour of visual input. Unlike findings at older ages, the pattern of results was the same for eyes treated for monocular and for binocular deprivation. The results indicate that patterned visual input is necessary for the postnatal improvement of human visual acuity and that the onset of such input initiates rapid functional development.

The epidemiology of pediatric glaucoma: the Toronto experience

BACKGROUND

This study was conceived to provide an insight into the spectrum of glaucoma in the pediatric population. We also set out to compare the success of disease control and the prognosis for vision within the different diagnostic subgroups. This is the largest single population of children with glaucoma that has been so described and compared.

METHODS

The charts of children who were first seen between birth and age 16 years and who attended the Hospital for Sick Children with any form of glaucoma between January 1974 and January 1995 were reviewed and entered into the study.

RESULTS

Data are presented for 306 children. Congenital glaucoma was the most common subtype, accounting for 38%. Patients with congenital glaucoma were young, had surgery, and had more operations than any other group except those with aniridia. Goniotomy offered a cure in 47.8% of the patients. A bimodal distribution reflected their visual performance. Patients with aphakic glaucoma, the next most prevalent group (20%), presented at an older age (4.5 years). Surgical intervention was performed in 50% of these children. Nearly all patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome (80%) had surgery. The following glaucoma groups were associated with a poor visual outcome: aniridia, anterior segment developmental anomalies involving the cornea, uveitis with glaucoma other than steroid induced, retinopathy of prematurity, and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. Steroid-induced glaucoma and anterior segment dysgenesis, excluding Peters anomaly, had uniformly good outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The ability to control glaucoma in childhood and visual prognosis is highly variable. Particular diagnostic categories do consistently well and some do poorly.

Early-infantile galactosialidosis: prenatal presentation and postnatal follow-up

Galactosialidosis (GS) is an autosomal recessive condition caused by combined deficiency of the lysosomal enzymes beta-galactosidase and alpha-neuraminidase. The combined deficiency has been found to result from a defect in protective protein/cathepsin A (PPCA), an intralysosomal protein which protects these enzymes from premature proteolytic processing. The most severe form of GS, the early-infantile form, results in early onset of edema, ascites, visceromegaly, and skeletal dysplasia. We report a case of early-infantile GS in a male infant who presented with nonimmune fetal hydrops (NIH), "coarse" facial appearance, massive fluid-filled inguinal hernias, multiple telangiectasia, and diffuse hypopigmentation; he subsequently developed visceromegaly. The diagnosis of GS was confirmed biochemically and the defect in PPCA characterized at the protein level. Examination of fetal peripheral blood smears sampled at 30 weeks gestation demonstrated vacuolation of lymphocytes, suggesting blood film examination may be a useful screening tool for cases of NIH where a metabolic disorder is suspected. Skeletal radiography at birth demonstrated punctate epiphyses of the femora, calcanei, and sacrum. We present a discussion of and differential diagnosis for this radiographic finding. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of early-infantile GS presenting with stippled epiphyses.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis in children and adolescents. Four new cases and a review of the literature

We identified 35 cases of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU), 31 from a MEDLINE search (1966-1996) of the English literature and 4 from our hospital records (1988-1996). To meet the case definition, the patient had to be less than 18 years old and have TINU of unknown cause. Common presenting symptoms included fatigue, weight loss, fever, and abdominal pain. The uveitis was usually anterior and could occur at any time with respect to the onset of the renal disease. Common laboratory features included anemia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and decreased creatinine clearance. Most patients (33 of 35) had renal biopsies that commonly revealed an intense inflammatory interstitial infiltrate, glomerular sparing, and negative immunofluorescence studies. Of the 35 patients, 26 received systemic corticosteroid therapy (5 of 26 for eye disease); 22 had follow-up for at least 1 year; 13 of 35 patients had a recurrence of their uveitis. The outcome in all 35 cases was normal renal function with no documented visual loss. In conclusion, TINU is a unique syndrome with characteristic clinical features, laboratory changes, and renal biopsy results. Treatment is controversial, and the outcome in children, even if untreated, is excellent.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis in immunosuppressed children

PURPOSE

To describe the ocular and systemic features of children with cytomegalovirus retinitis and their disease outcomes.

METHODS

Review of all cases of cytomegalovirus retinitis diagnosed or treated at a tertiary care pediatric hospital during a 10-year period.

RESULTS

Nine immunocompromised children younger than 16 years were diagnosed as having cytomegalovirus retinitis. The underlying causes of immunocompromise were severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (n = 2), severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome after bone marrow transplantation (n = 1), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (n = 2), AIDS and previous bone marrow transplantation for leukemia (n = 1), immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation (n = 1), chemotherapy for leukemia (n = 1), and congenital cytomegalovirus infection (n = 1). Five children (56%) had symptomatic extraocular cytomegalovirus infection. Only two children reported visual symptoms with cytomegalovirus retinitis at initial examination. Cytomegalovirus retinitis was bilateral in eight children (89%) and involved the posterior pole in at least one eye of all nine children. Four children (44%) died within 10 months of being diagnosed with cytomegalovirus retinitis. The remaining five children were alive, with follow-up ranging from 14 to 70 months. Successful bone marrow transplantation in one child and discontinuation of immunosuppressive medications in two children improved systemic immune function and permitted discontinuation of anticytomegaloviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric cytomegalovirus retinitis is often asymptomatic and bilateral and involves the posterior pole at initial examination. Recovery of systemic immune function may occur in some children. Evaluation of children at risk and prompt treatment of cytomegalo. virus retinitis are important to prevent long-term visual morbidity.