Association between subconjunctival hemorrhage and hemorrhagic disorders: a nationwide population-based study

Subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) is a benign eye condition that is often noticeable and leads to medical attention. Despite previous studies investigating the relationship between SCH and cardiovascular diseases, the relationship between SCH and bleeding disorders remains controversial. In order to gain further insight into this association, a nationwide cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort version 2.0 from 2006 to 2015. The study defined SCH using a diagnostic code and compared the incidence and risk factors of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in 36,772 SCH individuals and 147,088 propensity score (PS)-matched controls without SCH. The results showed that SCH was associated with a lower risk of ICH (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.622-0.894, p = 0.002) and GI bleeding (HR = 0.816, 95% CI = 0.690-0.965, p = 0.018) when compared to the PS-matched control group. This reduced risk was more pronounced in females and in the older age group (≥ 50 years), but not observed in males or younger age groups. In conclusion, SCH dose not increase the risk of ICH and major GI bleeding and is associated with a decreased incidence in females and individuals aged ≥ 50 years.

Prevalence and Causes of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage in Children

OBJECTIVE

Subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) is a reported sign of occult abusive injury, but there are limited published data about SCH during childhood. We sought to determine the prevalence and causes of SCH in children.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of children seen by pediatric ophthalmologists in an outpatient setting over 4 years. Primary outcomes were prevalence and causes of SCH, based on history, physical ocular and nonocular findings, and laboratory and imaging studies. Subconjunctival hemorrhage prevalence was determined including and excluding eye surgery to reduce bias in the prevalence estimate.

RESULTS

We studied 33,990 children, who underwent 86,277 examinations (median age, 5 years; range, 2 days to 18 years; 9282 younger than 2 years, 13,447 age 2-7 years, 11,261 age 8-18 years). There were 949 cases of SCH (1.1%; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.2). When surgery was excluded, there were 313 cases (prevalence, 0.4%; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.4), of which 261 (83%) were due to trauma; 40 (13%) ocular surface inflammation, including infectious conjunctivitis; 7 (2%) orbital or conjunctival lesion; 3 (1%) vessel rupture from choking or cough; and 2 (1%) coagulopathy related. Across all ages, including less than 2 years, trauma and inflammation together accounted for 94% to 97% of all cases of SCH.

CONCLUSIONS

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is uncommon in children. The great majority of cases are due to trauma. All children with SCH, including infants and young children, should be closely examined to identify other ocular or nonocular signs of trauma.

Risk Factors for Severe Bleeding Complications in Vitreoretinal Surgery and the Role of Antiplatelet or Anticoagulant Agents

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influences and risk factors for severe bleeding complications during vitreoretinal surgery and to investigate the role of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents.

DESIGN

Prospective trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery.

METHODS

The procedures included were pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckling. We developed a uniform classification to grade the bleeding severity. Bleeding was graded on an ordinal scale ranging from 0 to 5. Immediately after surgery and 1 day later, the incidence and the severity of bleeding events was documented on a standardized form. A grade of 3 or more was defined as severe bleeding. Furthermore, the influence of known systemic disorders before surgery, the type of anesthesia, type of surgical procedure, intraoperative blood pressure, and the use or change of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents on intraoperative bleeding was analyzed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence and risk factors for severe intraoperative bleeding events.

RESULTS

Data from 374 eyes undergoing vitreoretinal procedures were included in our study (mean age, 67.6 ± 12.9 years). A severe intraoperative bleeding event was observed in 15 eyes (4%). We found that concomitant diseases such as diabetes mellitus and carotid artery stenosis, the presence of diabetic retinopathy, younger age, and scleral buckling combined with a transscleral puncture were associated significantly with severe bleeding events. By contrast, use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents, or both, had no significant influence on severe intraoperative bleeding events.

CONCLUSIONS

Although external manipulations during buckling surgery (e.g., drainage of subretinal fluid) and concomitant diseases such as diabetes mellitus and carotid artery stenosis influences the risk of severe intraoperative bleeding events, we did not detect an increased risk related to coexisting antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication use, or both.

Ocular and systemic risk factors associated with recurrent disc hemorrhage in primary open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the risk factors associated with recurrent disc hemorrhage (DH), defined for the present study as at least 3 occurrences of DH in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

A total of 178 POAG patients (89 eyes showing at least 3 occurrences of DH and 89 age-matched control eyes with a minimum of 10 years' follow-up without DH) were included in a retrospective, case-control study. Ocular factors were evaluated by a retrospective chart review, and systemic factors were evaluated by a telephone survey. Associations between factors and recurrent DH were investigated by logistic regression analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to evaluate glaucoma progression and to identify the factors predictive of glaucoma progression.

RESULTS

Univariate regression analysis revealed the association of recurrent DH with low baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) [odds ratio (OR), 0.88; 95% confidential interval (CI), 0.80-0.98; P = 0.014], lower percentage reduction of IOP (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99; P = 0.020), cold extremities (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.03-7.60; P = 0.043), prone or lateral decubitus sleeping position (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.13-4.03; P = 0.019), and sleeping disorders (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.05-5.15; P = 0.037). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a lower percentage reduction in IOP (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-1.00; P = 0.046) increased the risk of recurrent DH. The control group exhibited a greater cumulative probability of non-progression than the recurrent DH group (P = 0.01, by log-rank test). The Cox proportional-hazards regression model showed that recurrent DH was associated with glaucoma progression [hazard ratio (HR), 1.88; 95% CI; 1.66-3.05; P = 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the ocular and systemic factors, only lower-percentage reduction of IOP in POAG was associated with recurrent DH. DH recurrence is associated with glaucoma progression and may be dependent on IOP.

Dermatologic Vasculature Diseases as a Risk Factor of Subconjunctival Hemorrhage

To evaluate the relationship between subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) and dermatologic vasculature diseases (DVDs) via the national health insurance research database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. This retrospective cohort study used data from the NHIRD for the 2009 to 2013 period. Patients diagnosed with DVDs were enrolled in the study group, and a propensity score-matching population was selected as the control group after exclusion. The main outcome was set as the development of SCH in both groups. Multivariable Cox regression analysis and survival analysis were performed to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and cumulative probability of SCH. A total number of 3426 patients were enrolled and split equally into the study and the control groups. There was no prominent difference between the age, gender, urbanization, income level, systemic co-morbidities, and ocular diseases between the two groups after matching. During the whole study period, 131 patients in the study group and 98 patients in the control group developed SCH with a significant higher aHR of 2.69 in the study group (p < 0.05). In the survival analysis, the study group also demonstrated a higher cumulative probability of developing SCH than the control group throughout the study period (p = 0.02). In conclusion, the presence of DVDs may be a risk factor for the development of SCH.

Risk of Intraocular Bleeding With Novel Oral Anticoagulants Compared With Warfarin: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

It is unclear if the risk of intraocular bleeding with novel oral anticoagulants differs compared with warfarin.

Objective

To characterize the risk of intraocular bleeding with novel oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin.

Data Sources

A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken in an academic medical setting. MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized clinical trials published up until August 2016. This search was supplemented by manual bibliography searches of identified trials and other review articles.

Study Selection

Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were phase 3 randomized clinical trials, enrolled patients with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism, compared a novel oral anticoagulant (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or edoxaban) with warfarin, and recorded event data on intraocular bleeding. Data on intraocular bleeding were pooled using inverse-variance, weighted, fixed-effects meta-analysis.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The PRISMA guidelines were used for abstracting data and assessing quality. Independent extraction was performed by 2 investigators.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Intraocular bleeding events and associated risk ratio for novel oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin.

Results

Twelve trials investigating 102 627 patients were included. Randomization to novel oral anticoagulants was associated with a 22% relative reduction in intraocular bleeding compared with warfarin (risk ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61-0.99). There was no significant heterogeneity observed (I2 = 4.8%, P = .40). Comparably lower risks of intraocular bleeding with novel oral anticoagulants were seen in subgroup analyses, with no significant difference according to the indication for anticoagulation (P for heterogeneity = .49) or the novel oral anticoagulant type (P for heterogeneity = .15). Summary estimates did not differ materially when random-effects meta-analytic techniques were used.

Conclusions and Relevance

These results suggest that novel oral anticoagulants reduce the risk of intraocular bleeding by approximately one-fifth compared with warfarin. Similar benefits were seen in both patients with atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Our data have particular relevance for patients at higher risk of spontaneous retinal and subretinal bleeding. These findings may also have important implications in the perioperative period, in which the use of novel oral anticoagulants may be superior. Future studies are required to better characterize the optimal management of patients with both ophthalmic disease and cardiovascular comorbidities requiring anticoagulation.

Incidence of Non-Traumatic Subconjunctival Hemorrhage in a Nationwide Study in Taiwan from 2000 to 2011

Objective

To determine the nationwide incidence of non-traumatic subconjunctival hemorrhage (NTSCH) in Taiwan from 2000-2011 and to analyze the risk factors for NTSCH using a case-control analysis.

Methods

This is a population-based cohort administrative database study. Randomly selected 1,000,000 residents from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database in 2000 and followed for 12 years to determine the population incidence of NTSCH. Individuals with the first diagnosis of subconjunctival hemorrhage were identified by the corresponding International Classification of Diseases code (ICD) 372.72. Traumatic subconjunctival hemorrhages (ICD-9 codes 921, 871, 850-854 and 959.01) were excluded. The association of NTSCH with various demographic factors, comorbidities and use of medications was studied by a population based case-control analysis using data of 2008-2011.

Results

A total of 67,720 patients with a first-time diagnosis of NTSCH were identified during the 12 years period. The mean annual incidence was 65 per 10,000 individuals (crude incidence) and 60 per 10,000 individuals (age- and sex-standardized incidence). The incidence rate of NTSCH was higher in women than in men, [men-women ratio: 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.81)]. The age-specific incidence decreased from childhood to the group of teenagers, after which it increased to a maximal value of 136.2 per 10,000 people in the age group of 60-69 years. Case-control analysis showed that comorbidities of hypertension, purpura and thrombocytopenia, and the use of aspirin were significantly associated with the risk of NTSCH.

Conclusions

This study indicates that NTSCH is a common eye disease that occurs once in 167 individuals in a general East Asian population per year. It occurs more often in women than in men and the age-specific incidence peaked in the age group of 60-69 years. Hypertension, purpura and thrombocytopenia, and the use of aspirin are the major risk factors for NTSCH.

Prevalence of hemostatic alterations in patients with recurrent spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Subconjunctival hemorrage (SCH) is a frequent, mild bleeding manifestation and a common cause of consultation. Hemostatic alterations are possible causes of SCH but their role and prevalence is unknown. We assessed the prevalence of hemostatic abnormalities in patients with spontaneous, recurrent SCH to clarify the role of the hemostasis laboratory in this clinical setting.

METHODS

A total of 105 SCH patients (21-78 years, 65 females) with no identifiable cause (hypertension-trauma-conjunctivitis) or concomitant treatments (NSAIDs- aspirin-oral anticoagulants-antiplatelet agents) and 53 age and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) (22-72 years, 29 females) were evaluated for skin bleeding time, PFA-100®, blood clotting screening, platelet count, light transmission aggregomery, VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, RIPA, FVIII activity, FXIII antigen and activity and ISTH Bleeding Severity Score (BSS).

RESULTS

Prevalence of hemostatic abnormalities was not higher in the SCH population than in HCs BSS was 0.83 (95% CI 0.62-1.06) in SCH and 0.66 (0.37-0.95) in HC (p=NS). Type I Von Willebrand disease was diagnosed in one SCH and none HC patients, a prevalence not significantly different (p=NS by χ2).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hemostatic alterations in patients with recurrent, spontaneous SCH is not different from the general population; hemostatic screening or second level tests are of no use in patients with recurrent SCH and no other bleedings.

A 3-year follow-up study on the risk of stroke among patients with conjunctival haemorrhage

PURPOSE

To the best of our knowledge, no large population-based studies on the relationship between conjunctival haemorrhage and stroke have been conducted to date. Using a nationwide population-based data set, this study investigated the relationship between conjunctival haemorrhage and the subsequent risk of stroke within a 3-year period following diagnosis.

METHODS

We analysed data sourced from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. The study cohort consisted of 17 349 patients with conjunctival haemorrhage and 86 745 comparison subjects. Each patient was individually tracked for a 3-year period from their index date to identify all those who had subsequently received a diagnosis of stroke.

RESULTS

  The incidence rate of stroke was 2.44 (95% CI = 2.31-2.55) per 100 person-years in patients with conjunctival haemorrhage and 1.63 (95% CI = 1.59-1.68) per 100 person-years in comparison patients. After adjusting for patients' monthly income and geographic location, as well as for hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and coronary heart disease, stratified Cox proportional hazards regressions revealed a statistically significant hazard ratio for stroke in patients with conjunctival haemorrhage (HR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.24-1.42, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients with conjunctival haemorrhage were found to be at a significant risk of stroke during a 3-year follow-up period after diagnosis.

Comparing the effects of three different intravitreal injection techniques on vitreous reflux and intraocular pressure

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of straight, oblique, and double-plane tunnel scleral intravitreal injection techniques, on short-term intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, occurrence of vitreous reflux (VR), and/or other complications.

METHODS

A total of 105 patients were included in this prospective study. Patients were assigned randomly to one of the straight injection group (SI; n=35), oblique injection group (OI; n=35), or double-plane tunnel injection group (DPTI; n=35). The occurrence of VR and preinjection and postinjection IOP at 2 and 6 h were compared between groups, and complications were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 71.1±6.6 years (range 58 to 86 years; 50 women and 55 men). In the SI, OI, and DPTI groups, VR occurred in 18 (51.4%), 12 (34.3%), and 6 patients (17.1%), respectively. Mean preinjection IOPs were 15.4, 14.8, and 15.6 mmHg, and changed to 17.3, 18.0, and 20.0 mmHg at the second hour, and 15.7, 16.2, and 16.1 mmHg at the sixth hour, respectively. No significant differences among the groups were found in terms of complications such as transient mild uveitis or subconjunctival hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Double-plane tunnel injection prevents VR from the injection site and has no additional complications than other techniques.

Epidemiology of traumatic and spontaneous subconjunctival haemorrhages in Congo

PURPOSE

To determine frequency and associated conditions of subconjunctival haemorrhage

METHODS

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of all consecutive patients with traumatic and spontaneous subconjunctival haemorrhage (SCH) examined between 1999 and 2004 in a general practice of ophthalmology.

RESULTS

There were 58 (0.8%) patients with SCH (61 eyes) among 6843 consulting patients. They consisted of 34 (58.6%) women and 24 (41.4%) men, with a mean age (SD) of 30.7 years (16). Among the 58 patients with SCH, 30 (51.7%) had traumatic SCH and 28 (48.3%) had spontaneous SCH. In both populations of patients, females outnumbered males. The mean age was 35.5 and 26.4 years for patients with spontaneous and traumatic SCH, respectively (P = 0.04). Patients with spontaneous SCH presented earlier (< or = 3 days, P = 0.006) and complained of a red eye at a greater extent than patients with traumatic SCH (P = 0.02). There were no statistically significant differences between the patients with spontaneous and traumatic SCH with respect to gender (P = 0.75), eye involvement (P = 0.69), location of SCH (P = 0.23) and occupation of patients (P = 0.50). The condition was unilateral in 90% of eyes. Location of SCH was most found to be temporal (36.1%) or nasal (26.2%). In spontaneous SCH, no apparent associated condition was found in 64.3%. Hypertension (14.3%) was the most frequent associated condition. Other associated conditions were rare and included vomiting, sneezing, malaria, hypoglycaemia, sickle cell disease and delivery. In traumatic SCH, 67% injuries occurred at home.

CONCLUSION

SCHs were seen in 0.8% of patients and occurred more frequently in women than in men in this study.

Hemorrhagic complications from glaucoma surgery in patients on anticoagulation therapy or antiplatelet therapy

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence of and risk factors for hemorrhagic complications in patients on anticoagulation (ACT) or antiplatelet therapy (APT) having glaucoma surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

Medical records of patients who had glaucoma surgery between July 1, 1998 and March 31, 2005 were reviewed. Patients who either used ACT/APT continuously throughout the perioperative period or discontinued its use prior to surgery were compared to case-matched control patients who were not on such therapies. Patients on ACT/APT who experienced postoperative hemorrhagic complications were compared to those who did not. Outcome measures included hemorrhagic complications and thromboembolic events.

RESULTS

Three hundred and forty-seven patients (eyes) who were on ACT or APT prior to glaucoma surgery had a higher rate of hemorrhagic complications than 347 control patients (10.1% vs 3.7%, respectively, P = .002). Patients on ACT had a higher rate of hemorrhagic complications than patients on APT (22.9% vs 8.0%, respectively, P = .003). Patients who continued ACT during glaucoma surgery had the highest rate of hemorrhagic complications (31.8%) when compared to patients who discontinued ACT prior to surgery or patients who used APT alone (P = .001). Hemorrhagic complications following glaucoma surgery were more frequently associated with preoperative ACT, arrhythmia, and higher preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP).

CONCLUSION

Chronic ACT/APT was associated with a statistically significant increase in the rate of hemorrhagic complications, and perioperative ACT and a high preoperative IOP are potential risk factors for hemorrhagic complications in patients undergoing glaucoma surgery.

Ocular autopsy and histopathologic features of child abuse

PURPOSE

To study the ocular histopathologic features in eyes of children with fatal suspected child abuse.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred eighteen autopsy cases of known or suspected child abuse.

METHODS

The ocular autopsy and histopathologic features of a cohort of consecutive cases of known or presumed child abuse submitted by Maryland's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner or Johns Hopkins Hospital to the Wilmer Eye Pathology Laboratory were tabulated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Ocular hemorrhage or structural abnormality.

RESULTS

Retinal hemorrhage was present in 44% of cases. Circumferential folds with macular schisis cavities were present in 23% of cases and were bilateral in half of those cases. Peripapillary scleral hemorrhage was present in 38% of cases, and subdural hemorrhage was present in the distal optic nerve in 46% of cases. Hemosiderin was present in 27% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraretinal hemorrhages, circumferential macular folds with schisis cavities, peripapillary scleral hemorrhages, and subdural hemorrhages are common pathologic findings in cases of fatal known or suspected child abuse. Their presence on autopsy should raise the suspicion of shaking or blunt nonaccidental trauma.

Ocular manifestations of dengue fever in an East Indian epidemic

BACKGROUND

The incidence and geographic distribution of dengue has increased dramatically in recent years. Previously, ocular findings in dengue fever were considered rare. We report a spectrum of ocular manifestations of this potentially fatal disease and its association with laboratory parameters.

METHODS

134 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of dengue fever during an epidemic were included. Systemic and ophthalmic examinations were completed on all patients.

RESULTS

The mean age was 31.3 years and 63.4% were males. All patients presented with fever. Six (4.5%) patients had retrobulbar pain and none of the patients presented with any visual complaints. Ocular findings were present in 54 (40.3%) patients. Subconjunctival haemorrhage was the commonest eye finding seen in 50 patients, of whom 84% had characteristic petechial type of haemorrhages. Fundus findings present in 10 (7.5%) patients included dilatation and tortuosity of vessels, superficial retinal haemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, and hard exudates; the macula, however, was spared in all patients. Only 6 of the patients with posterior segment involvement returned for follow-up examination and it was found that retinal changes had resolved without any specific treatment within 2 to 8 weeks time. Of all laboratory parameters evaluated, marked thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/microL) emerged to be significantly associated with ocular haemorrhage.

INTERPRETATION

Multiple subconjunctival haemorrhages, especially petechial type, are a common manifestation of dengue infection. Dengue fever patients with marked thrombocytopenia are predisposed to spontaneous ocular haemorrhages.

Ocular signs of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: a retrospective study in dogs from Barcelona, Spain

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsia Ehrlichia canis. Ocular lesions are a common feature of the disease and can be present in all stages. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence, type and response to treatment of ocular lesions associated with monocytic ehrlichiosis in 46 affected dogs presented to the Autonomous University of Barcelona-Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UAB-VTH) from January 2000 to December 2002. Dogs were included in the study only if they had a positive serologic test for E. canis and information about the clinical outcome was available. Eighteen breeds were represented, with the German Shepherd dog (n = 6) being the most common. There were 25 intact and three castrated males, and 16 intact and two neutered females. Twenty dogs (43.4%) were between 5 and 10 years old. Seventeen dogs (37% of all cases of monocytic ehrlichiosis diagnosed during the study period) had ocular signs, and 11 dogs (64.7% of the ocular cases) had only ocular lesions without apparent systemic signs. Exudative retinal detachment was the most common ocular manifestation; other prevalent findings included anterior exudative uveitis and optic neuritis. Five of the 17 cases with ocular lesions (29.4%) had ocular bleeding disorders (hyphema or retinal hemorrhages). All the dogs with ocular disease presented with bilateral signs. Dogs with posterior segment disease had titers against E. canis that were > or = 1 : 320, while lower titers were noted in dogs with anterior exudative uveitis. Two dogs presented with chronic autoimmune panuveitis after ehrlichiosis treatment. Canine ehrlichiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of exudative retinal detachment and anterior uveal inflammatory lesions.

Funduscopic findings following cataract extraction by means of phacoemulsification in diabetic dogs: 52 cases (1993-2003)

OBJECTIVE

To determine prevalence of retinal hemorrhages and microaneurysms in dogs with diabetes mellitus following cataract extraction by means of phacoemulsification and identify potential risk factors.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PROCEDURE

Medical records of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification between 1993 and 2003 were reviewed, and information was recorded on signalment, history, physical examination findings, ophthalmic examination findings, results of laboratory testing, electroretinographic findings, and surgical findings. Glycemic control was classified as poor, intermediate, or good on the basis of baseline blood glucose concentration, perioperative body weight loss, daily insulin dosage, and presence of glucosuria and ketonuria. Data from diabetic and nondiabetic dogs were analyzed to determine prevalence and risk factors for development of retinal hemorrhages or microaneurysms following phacoemulsification.

RESULTS

11 of the 52 (21%) dogs with diabetes mellitus developed ophthalmoscopic signs of retinal hemorrhages or microaneurysms, compared with 1 of the 174 (0.6%) nondiabetic dogs. Median time from onset of diabetes mellitus to diagnosis of retinopathy was 1.4 years (range, 0.5 to 3.2 years). No risk factors for development of retinopathy were identified.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggest that retinal hemorrhages and microaneurysms may be more common and develop earlier in diabetic dogs than previously reported. This may affect treatment, as diabetic dogs survive longer with improved glycemic control.

Optic Disc Hemorrhages Detected in a Large-Scale Eye Disease Screening Project

PURPOSE

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of optic disc hemorrhages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We took IMAGEnet fundus photographs of 14,779 participants, aged 40 years or older in a large-scale eye disease screening project conducted in Tajimi, Japan. A single researcher reviewed all of the photographs for the presence of ocular abnormality in the optic nerve head and retina, paying special attention to the presence or absence of optic disc hemorrhages. Glaucomatous optic neuropathy was diagnosed based on the presence of nerve fiber layer defects and/or the appearance of the optic disc.

RESULTS

Fundus photographs of 13,965 cases (27,930 eyes) were successfully reviewed bilaterally. We found disc hemorrhages at 92 locations of 92 (0.3%) eyes of 88 (0.6%) cases. Twenty-four hemorrhages of 23 (26%) cases were found in bilateral non-glaucoma cases and the remaining 68 hemorrhages of 65 (74%) cases were found in glaucoma cases. The prevalence of disc hemorrhages was 8.2% in 793 glaucoma cases and 0.2% in non-glaucoma cases. Hemorrhages developed significantly more frequently in females and in the elderly. The hemorrhages were predominantly found in the inferotemporal and superotemporal regions. The intraocular pressure was less than 20 mm Hg in all cases. The mean intraocular pressure was 15.0 mm Hg for glaucoma cases with hemorrhages and 13.9 mm Hg for non-glaucoma cases with hemorrhages.

CONCLUSION

Disc hemorrhages occur more frequently in females, in elderly persons, and in glaucoma cases in Japanese aged 40 or older. The intraocular pressure of the eyes with disc hemorrhages is close to that of the normal population.

Risks and benefits of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication use before cataract surgery

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risks and benefits associated with continuation of anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication use before cataract surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients 50 and older scheduled for 19,283 cataract surgeries at nine centers in the United States and Canada between June 1995 and June 1997.

INTERVENTION

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraoperative and postoperative (within 7 days) retrobulbar hemorrhage, vitreous or choroidal hemorrhage, hyphema, transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, deep vein thrombosis, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

Before cataract surgery 24.2% and 4.0% of patients routinely used aspirin and warfarin, respectively. Among routine users, 22.5% of aspirin users and 28.3% of warfarin users discontinued these medications before surgery. The rates of stroke, TIA, or deep vein thrombosis were 1.5/1000 among those who did not use aspirin or warfarin and 3.8/1000 surgeries among routine users of aspirin and warfarin who continued their medication before surgery. The rate was 1 event per 1000 surgeries among those who discontinued aspirin use (relative risk = 0.7, 95% confidence interval = 0.1-5.9). There were no events among warfarin users who discontinued use. The rates of myocardial infarction or ischemia were 5.1/1000 surgeries (aspirin) and 7.6/1000 surgeries (warfarin) among routine continuous users and no different from those of routine users who discontinued use.

CONCLUSIONS

The risks of medical and ophthalmic events surrounding cataract surgery were so low that absolute differences in risk associated with changes in routine anticoagulant or antiplatelet use were minimal.

Sub-Tenon anesthesia: a prospective study of 6,000 blocks

BACKGROUND

An initial pilot study of 300 sub-Tenon local anesthetic blocks (STBs) for intraocular surgery established the effectiveness and patient acceptability of the technique. Following this, a decision was made in 1995 to change from sharp needle techniques to STB for all eye surgeries performed during local anesthesia at Auckland Hospital (Auckland, New Zealand) by reeducation of anesthetists and surgeons. At this point, sufficient data were not available to confirm that STB would avoid the complications associated with the passage of sharp needles into the orbit or would cause a different set of serious complications.

METHODS

A prospective study of the next 6,000 consecutive STBs performed at Auckland Hospital was carried out over a period of 6 yr (from 1995 to 2000).

RESULTS

Sub-Tenon block is very effective, with a surgeon and patient acceptability rate of 98.8%. Insertion of the sub-Tenon cannula and administration of the anesthetic produces minimal discomfort, being completely painless in 68.8% of cases. There were no serious block-related complications in this series, supporting the safety of the sub-Tenon technique.

CONCLUSION

The experience at Auckland Hospital provides further support for the avoidance of passing sharp needles into the orbit.

[Prevalence of symptoms associated with blood pressure in normal and hypertensive population]

BACKGROUND

High blood pressure should be symptomless. However, popular knowledge attributes some symptoms such as headache, epistaxis or dizziness to high blood pressure.

AIM

To compare the prevalence of headache, epistaxis, subconjunctival hemorrhages and dizziness in people with normal or high blood pressure.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A representative sample of an urban population in Chile was studied. Each subject with high blood pressure was paired with a non-related individual of the same sex and age. These subjects were interrogated about the presence of symptoms.

RESULTS

One thousand forty eight subjects with high blood pressure (481 male) and 1052 individuals with normal pressure (483 male), were studied. In subjects with high or normal blood pressure, the prevalence of headache was 22 and 21.8% respectively, epistaxis was 11.6 and 11% respectively, dizziness was 7.4 and 7.6% respectively, tinnitus was 9.1 and 9.4% respectively and subconjunctival hemorrhage was 2.9 and 3.1% respectively (p = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

No differences in the prevalence of symptoms, popularly attributed to hypertension, were observed between subjects with normal or high blood pressure.

[Treatment of the massive suprachoroidal hemorrhages]

PURPOSE

To analyze the anatomical and functional results obtained in post- surgical suprachoroidal hemorrhages treated from 1998 to 2000 and to review the information on the series of this complication that have been published during the last five years and which included at least 10 patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients with suprachoroidal hemorrhages at the Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA) - University Hospital of Valladolid. Bibliographic search by Med-Line/Pub Med from 1995 to 2000 was performed.

RESULTS

8 patients who fulfill these criteria have been treated and 8 papers, also complying with the criteria, have been found.

CONCLUSIONS

The functional and anatomic results of post-surgical suprachoroidal hemorrhages are still poor, even though the prognosis seems to have improved in the last 20 years. The standardized classification of massive suprachoroidal hemorrhages based on severity and the standardization of the follow-up would improve these results.

Mardi Gras eye injury survey, 1998-1999

BACKGROUND

We studied the nature of associated ocular trauma during the 1998 and 1999 New Orleans parade seasons and whether trends were observable from previous surveys.

METHODS

A prospective survey and retrospective analysis included 18 emergency rooms (ERs) in the New Orleans area.

RESULTS

Sixteen surveys representing eight ERs were completed between February 19 and 24, 1998, and 32 surveys representing five ERs were completed between February 5 and 17, 1999. In both years, the most common ocular complaints were pain, blur, foreign body sensation, tearing, and photophobia. The most common slit lamp findings in 1998 were within normal limits, corneal abrasion, and conjunctival hyperemia. In 1999, the most common findings were subconjunctival hemorrhage, corneal abrasion, cell and flare, and lid laceration.

CONCLUSIONS

Projectile injuries of the eyes are common during Mardi Gras due to the nature of interaction between paradegoers and float riders. We found no identifiable trend in the number or type of injuries reported in 1986, 1987, and 1998 Mardi Gras surveys.

Pterygium with bulbar conjunctival hemorrhages

BACKGROUND

This study was carried out to describe the clinical features and electron-microscopic characteristics of the capillaries in pterygium with conjunctival hemorrhage.

METHODS

We compared the clinical findings in Japanese and Tunisian primary pterygia and in pterygium with and without bulbar conjunctival hemorrhages. The capillary fine structures of pterygium with bulbar conjunctival hemorrhages were studied by electron microscopy and compared with those without bulbar conjunctival hemorrhages.

RESULTS

Conjunctival hemorrhages were noted in 16.4% of Tunisian patients but not in any Japanese patients. The former pterygia were significantly larger, more vascular and more frequently hyperemic than the latter. Pterygia with bulbar conjunctival hemorrhages were more hyperemic than without hemorrhages. Electron microscopy revealed interruptions of the endothelial cells and basement membrane of the capillaries in the pterygia with bulbar conjunctival hemorrhages, with blood cells escaping through the endothelial interruptions.

CONCLUSION

Conjunctival hemorrhage in pterygia may be caused by fragility of the endothelial cells and basement membrane in the capillaries, which easily induces hemorrhage when the eyes are irritated by rubbing or by conjunctival foreign bodies. Pterygium with conjunctival hemorrhage is more frequently found in Tunisians than in Japanese.

Subconjunctival haemorrhages in neonatal thoroughbred foals

A survey of 169 neonatal thoroughbred foals revealed that 8.3 per cent had subconjunctival haemorrhages, but there was no indication of a relationship between retinal and subconjunctival haemorrhages. The haemorrhages were not related to any abnormality of the foals and there was no sex or eye predisposition. In most cases the haemorrhages were fresh and red, occurred mainly dorsally or dorsonasally and extended up to the limbus; they resolved completely within four to 10 days, depending on their initial severity and extent. They had no effect on the foals' vision in the short or long term. The incidence of subconjunctival haemorrhages was associated with foaling category, multiparity and country of birth.

Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis--St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, September-October 1998

Hurricane Georges struck the U.S. Virgin Islands on September 21, 1998. Immediately thereafter, health authorities on St. Croix (1998 population: approximately 50,000) became aware of increased numbers of cases of conjunctivitis. During September, one of the two public health clinics on the island recorded 88 cases of conjunctivitis, compared with three cases during August. Cases were characterized by periorbital swelling, excessive lacrimation, conjunctival redness with occasional hemorrhages, and foreign-body sensation in the eye. No severe sequelae were reported. Local ophthalmologists considered the symptoms characteristic of viral acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC). This report describes the initial findings of an ongoing clinical, epidemiologic, and laboratory investigation of this outbreak.

Effect of aspirin intake on bleeding during cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To study the association between chronic intake of aspirin and intraoperative bleeding during cataract surgery and the effect of discontinuing the medication before surgery.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Hospital, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Israel.

METHODS

Sixty-one patients having cataract surgery and receiving aspirin to prevent thromboembolic events were divided into 3 groups: Group A, continuation of the medication; Group B, cessation of aspirin intake for 2 to 5 days before surgery; Group C, cessation of medication for 7 to 10 days before surgery. Blood tests of coagulation parameters, a detailed questionnaire, and 1 day and 1 week follow-up were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in blood tests and the amount and incidence of intraoperative bleeding among the 3 groups. Diathermy was used somewhat more in Group A; however, there was no difficulty stopping the bleeding in any case and discontinuation of the medication had no effect on the intraoperative course or postoperative outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspirin intake was not associated with significant intraoperative bleeding; thus, discontinuation of aspirin is usually not indicated. Clear corneal phacoemulsification is advantageous in patients receiving antiplatelet therapy.

Diabetic retinopathy should not be a contraindication to thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction: review of ocular hemorrhage incidence and location in the GUSTO-I trial. Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA for Occluded Coronary Arteries

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the incidence of ocular hemorrhage in patients with and without diabetes after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND

Ocular hemorrhage after thrombolysis has been reported rarely. However, there is concern that the risk is increased in patients with diabetes. In fact, diabetic hemorrhagic retinopathy has been identified as a contraindication to thrombolytic therapy without clear evidence that these patients have an increased risk for ocular hemorrhage.

METHODS

We identified all suspected ocular hemorrhages from bleeding complications reported in patients enrolled in the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and t-PA for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO)-I trial. Additional information was collected on a one-page data form. We compared the incidence and location of ocular hemorrhages in patients with and without diabetes.

RESULTS

There were 40,899 patients (99.7%) with information about diabetic history and ocular bleeding. Twelve patients (0.03%) had an ocular hemorrhage. Intraocular hemorrhage was confirmed in only one patient. There were 6,011 patients (15%) with diabetes, of whom only 1 had an ocular hemorrhage (eyelid hematoma after a documented fall). The upper 95% confidence intervals for the incidence of intraocular hemorrhage in patients with and without diabetes were 0.05% and 0.006%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular hemorrhage and, more important, intraocular hemorrhage after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction is extremely uncommon. The calculated upper 95% confidence interval for the incidence of intraocular hemorrhage in patients with diabetes was only 0.05%. We conclude that diabetic retinopathy should not be considered a contraindication to thrombolysis in patients with an acute myocardial infarction.

Blindness after facial trauma

Blindness after facial fractures has been reported to occur with an incidence that ranges between 0.67% and 3% depending on the reporting institution. To verify this finding we undertook a retrospective chart review of 5936 patients with facial fractures that occurred over a 12 1/2-year period. We found that vision in 19 eyes were lost in 18 patients. Vision loss was more frequently encountered in Le Fort III level fractures (2.2%) followed distantly by Le Fort II level fractures (0.64%), and zygomatic fractures (0.45%). The cause of blindness was most frequently associated with motor vehicle accidents and gunshot injuries. Injuries of this type require immediate and prompt consultation by the ophthalmologic surgery service.

Eye injuries in Victoria, Australia

OBJECTIVE

To outline the spectrum of eye injuries in the Victorian population.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective survey of all eye injuries treated at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital; and a review of morbidity data from all Victorian hospitals to estimate the incidence of ocular trauma across the State.

RESULTS

During a 12-month period, 6308 patients were treated at the hospital. Most had superficial injuries, but 401 (6%) were admitted for severe trauma. Most were male and young; children aged under 15 years comprised 25% of hospitalisations (severe injuries). The workplace accounted for 44% of all injuries and 19% of severe trauma, including ruptured globes and internal bleeding. Sports injuries accounted for 5% of all injuries, but 19% of severe injuries. The incidence estimate for penetrating eye injuries was 3.6 per 100,000 population. The incidence of eye injuries requiring hospitalisation was 15.2 per 100,000. Annual medical costs were estimated conservatively at $15.8 million a year for this hospital alone and projected at $39 million a year for 29,000 eye injuries in Victoria and $155 million a year for 116,000 cases nationwide.

CONCLUSIONS

Most ocular trauma occurs in young people and could be prevented by proper use of safety eyewear.

A survey of local anaesthesia use in cataract surgery in Australia

A survey of the use of local anaesthesia in cataract surgery by ophthalmologists in Australia is presented. The main conclusions drawn from the survey were: 1. A marked trend towards the use of local anaesthesia in cataract surgery during the years 1983-88 throughout Australia. A less marked trend in country areas and in Western Australia. 2. The use of local anaesthesia did not correlate with the number of cataract operations performed by an ophthalmologist. 3. Day case cataract surgery was more often performed under local anaesthesia in private than in public hospitals. 4. Throughout Australia retrobulbar local anaesthesia was preferred to the peribulbar technique. 5. The most commonly used local anaesthetic mixture was 2% lignocaine and 0.5% marcaine with or without adrenaline and/or hyalase.

Prevalence and significance of optic disc hemorrhage in a longitudinal study of glaucoma

We determined the prevalence of hemorrhage within 1 disc diameter of the optic nerve head by masked examination of stereoscopic color and red-free fundus photographs in a multilayer study of 1123 patients. At the first (baseline) examination, disc hemorrhages were present in none of the normal subjects (0 of 661), 0.44% (6/1377) of "glaucoma suspect" subjects, and 2.44% (3/123) of glaucomatous eyes. Disc hemorrhage prevalence in glaucomatous eyes was significantly higher than in normal or glaucoma suspect eyes. Glaucoma suspect eyes with disc hemorrhage, compared with matched suspect eyes without disc hemorrhage, had a larger mean vertical cup-disc ratio, an increased rate of nerve fiber layer atrophy 1 year following disc hemorrhage, and a higher rate of conversion to initial visual field loss (numerically higher conversion though not statistically significant). While the number of eyes with disc hemorrhages in this study is small, in a patient with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, disc hemorrhage appears to be associated with a greater likelihood of ongoing damage. The low disc hemorrhage prevalence in an unselected population limits its usefulness as a screening tool for glaucoma.

When does the failure to find a difference mean that there is none?

When a published clinical report concludes that there is no difference between two or more groups of patients, the reader must discern between two alternative possibilities. Either there is truly no difference in outcome between the groups or the study failed to detect an actual difference. The application of sample size and power calculations to outcome variables in a clinical study can provide essential insight into resolving this ambiguity. While one can never prove that there is no difference between groups of patients, these techniques can estimate the likelihood that a particular study will detect or fail to detect a difference of specified size.

Disc haemorrhages and glaucoma in a general ophthalmic practice

The composition of the clientele from an ophthalmological practitioner's office is described with special reference to the occurrence of glaucoma and disc haemorrhages (h in singular; hh in plural). This study could not be planned as an epidemiological survey and gives no clue to sensitivity or specificity of hh in glaucoma. During a period of about 10 years ending with 1986 there were 731 patients with h and/or glaucoma. When detected, 185 patients had h but no glaucoma, 33 had both h and glaucoma and 513 had glaucoma but no h. During the follow-up period hh were detected in 83 cases of glaucoma, and glaucoma developed in 27 cases with hh. The detection rate of hh among glaucoma was low but steady, indicating that hh may occur at any stage of the glaucoma process. This study shows no predilection for hh in cases with general hypertension or diabetes, nor is the frequency of hh among pseudoexfoliation cases significantly lower than among cases without this stigma.

Limited choroidal hemorrhage associated with extracapsular cataract extraction

Limited choroidal hemorrhage was observed in eight (2.2%) of 368 eyes subjected to extracapsular cataract extraction, compared with a rate of 3.07% in our previous study, in which the technique employed was intracapsular extraction. The difference was found to be significant only for eyes with high myopia. Myopia was found to be the main risk factor for the development of limited choroidal hemorrhage, especially when general anesthesia was used. The presence of glaucoma or the combination of extracapsular cataract extraction and trabeculectomy may increase the susceptibility to this complication. The occurrence of limited choroidal hemorrhage did not affect the final visual function.