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Ophthalmology Science 2024Use of the electronic health record (EHR) has motivated the need for data standardization. A gap in knowledge exists regarding variations in existing terminologies for...
PURPOSE
Use of the electronic health record (EHR) has motivated the need for data standardization. A gap in knowledge exists regarding variations in existing terminologies for defining diabetic retinopathy (DR) cohorts. This study aimed to review the literature and analyze variations regarding codified definitions of DR.
DESIGN
Literature review and quantitative analysis.
SUBJECTS
Published manuscripts.
METHODS
Four graders reviewed PubMed and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies. Studies were included if they used codified definitions of DR (e.g., billing codes). Data elements such as author names, publication year, purpose, data set type, and DR definitions were manually extracted. Each study was reviewed by ≥ 2 authors to validate inclusion eligibility. Quantitative analyses of the codified definitions were then performed to characterize the variation between DR cohort definitions.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Number of studies included and numeric counts of billing codes used to define codified cohorts.
RESULTS
In total, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria. Half of the included studies used datasets based on structured EHR data (i.e., data registries, institutional EHR review), and half used claims data. All but 1 of the studies used billing codes such as the International Classification of Diseases 9th or 10th edition (ICD-9 or ICD-10), either alone or in addition to another terminology for defining disease. Of the 27 included studies that used ICD-9 and the 20 studies that used ICD-10 codes, the most common codes used pertained to the full spectrum of DR severity. Diabetic retinopathy complications (e.g., vitreous hemorrhage) were also used to define some DR cohorts.
CONCLUSIONS
Substantial variations exist among codified definitions for DR cohorts within retrospective studies. Variable definitions may limit generalizability and reproducibility of retrospective studies. More work is needed to standardize disease cohorts.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
PubMed: 38560278
DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2024.100468 -
Medicine Mar 2024Retinal cysts are rare lesions of the fundus that are essentially fluid-filled cavities located or originating in the retina, with a diameter larger than the normal...
INTRODUCTION
Retinal cysts are rare lesions of the fundus that are essentially fluid-filled cavities located or originating in the retina, with a diameter larger than the normal retinal thickness. To date, there have been few case reports of giant retinal cyst hemorrhage with retinoschisis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 32-year-old woman with no other medical history complained of decreased vision for 3 days after a severe cough. The best-corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 0.5. A comprehensive ophthalmological examination including slit-lamp fundoscopy, ultrasound scan of the eye, optical coherence tomography scan, and orbital magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Ophthalmological examination revealed grade III anterior chamber blood cells and grade III vitreous hemorrhage in the right eye and a large herpetic cyst on the nasal side of the retina. The cyst projected into the vitreous, with a large amount of hemorrhage vaguely visible within it. The cyst was clearly visible, and a superficial retinal limiting detachment was observed around it. Ultrasound showed a retinal cyst with retinal detachment in the right eye. Laboratory test results were unremarkable. After 3 months of conservative treatment, the patient's intracystic hemorrhage was significantly absorbed, but the size of the cyst cavity did not show any significant change. Scleral buckling with external compression combined with external drainage of the intracystic fluid was performed, the patient's visual acuity was gradually restored to a normal 1.0 after the operation, and the retina appeared flattened. The patient was finally diagnosed with a giant retinal cyst with retinoschisis in the right eye. The presumed cause was heavy coughing leading to rupture and hemorrhage of the retinal cyst, similar to the mechanism of rupture of an arterial dissection. To the best of our knowledge, this case of retinal cyst rupture and hemorrhage caused by heavy coughing with good recovery after external surgical treatment has never been reported before.
CONCLUSIONS
Giant cystic retinal hemorrhage with retinoschisis is very rare. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging and ocular B-scan ultrasound are essential for its diagnosis, and the selection of an appropriate surgical procedure is necessary to maximize the benefit for affected patients.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Scleral Buckling; Retinoschisis; Retinal Detachment; Vitreous Hemorrhage; Retinal Hemorrhage; Cysts
PubMed: 38552087
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037620 -
Value in Health : the Journal of the... Jul 2024This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs (anti-VEGFs) compared with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drugs Compared With Panretinal Photocoagulation for the Treatment of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs (anti-VEGFs) compared with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for treating proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in the United Kingdom.
METHODS
A discrete event simulation model was developed, informed by individual participant data meta-analysis. The model captures treatment effects on best corrected visual acuity in both eyes, and the occurrence of diabetic macular edema and vitreous hemorrhage. The model also estimates the value of undertaking further research to resolve decision uncertainty.
RESULTS
Anti-VEGFs are unlikely to generate clinically meaningful benefits over PRP. The model predicted anti-VEGFs be more costly and similarly effective as PRP, generating 0.029 fewer quality-adjusted life-years at an additional cost of £3688, with a net health benefit of -0.214 at a £20 000 willingness-to-pay threshold. Scenario analysis results suggest that only under very select conditions may anti-VEGFs offer potential for cost-effective treatment of PDR. The consequences of loss to follow-up were an important driver of model outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Anti-VEGFs are unlikely to be a cost-effective treatment for early PDR compared with PRP. Anti-VEGFs are generally associated with higher costs and similar health outcomes across various scenarios. Although anti-VEGFs were associated with lower diabetic macular edema rates, the number of cases avoided is insufficient to offset the additional treatment costs. Key uncertainties relate to the long-term comparative effectiveness of anti-VEGFs, particularly considering the real-world rates and consequences of treatment nonadherence. Further research on long-term visual acuity and rates of vision-threatening complications may be beneficial in resolving uncertainties.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Retinopathy; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; United Kingdom; Visual Acuity; Light Coagulation; Models, Economic; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Laser Coagulation; Male; Female; Macular Edema; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
PubMed: 38548182
DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.03.007 -
Pharmaceutics Feb 2024The ranibizumab (RBZ) port delivery system (PDS) is a device designed to continuously deliver RBZ in the vitreous chamber for the treatment of neovascular age-related... (Review)
Review
Ranibizumab Port Delivery System in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Where Do We Stand? Overview of Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Results, and Future Directions.
The ranibizumab (RBZ) port delivery system (PDS) is a device designed to continuously deliver RBZ in the vitreous chamber for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). It is implanted during a surgical procedure and can provide sustained release of the medication for several months. This review, updated to January 2024, focuses on past clinical studies as well as current and forthcoming trials looking into a PDS with RBZ. In the phase 2 LADDER trial, the mean time to first refill of a PDS with RBZ 100 mg/mL was 15.8 months, with the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile showing a sustained concentration of RBZ in the blood and aqueous humor. More recently, a PDS with RBZ (100 mg/mL) refilled every 24 weeks was shown to be non-inferior to a monthly intravitreal injection (IVI) with RBZ (0.5 mg) over 40 and 92 weeks in the phase 3 ARCHWAY trial. The refill every 24 weeks allowed for a RBZ vitreous exposure within the concentration range of monthly intravitreal injections (IVIs), and the expected half-life (106 days) was comparable with the in vitro results. Nonetheless, vitreous hemorrhage and endophthalmitis were more common side effects in PDS patients. In conclusion, a PDS continuously delivering RBZ has a clinical effectiveness level comparable with IVI treatment. However, a greater frequency of unfavorable occurrences highlights the need for procedure optimization for a wider adoption. Ongoing trials and possible future approaches need to be addressed.
PubMed: 38543208
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16030314 -
Retinal injury from a laser skin resurfacing device during medical tourism: a public health concern.BMC Ophthalmology Mar 2024Laser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure for noninvasive skin rejuvenation. Since health insurance plans often do not cover these types of procedures,...
BACKGROUND
Laser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure for noninvasive skin rejuvenation. Since health insurance plans often do not cover these types of procedures, patients often pay out of pocket. Consequently, there is an incentive to go abroad, where prices are more affordable. However, practitioners in destination countries may lack rigorous training on laser safety, regulatory oversight, or licensing, especially on devices used for "cosmetic" procedures. In certain cases, this can lead to tragic outcomes, especially when underqualified practitioners operate medical-grade laser devices.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 29-year-old woman suffered a retinal burn from a handheld Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser pulse device used to perform skin resurfacing treatment at a medical spa in Vietnam. The patient was not adequately informed about the potential risk to her vision and was not provided with any eye protection. A momentary, unintended laser exposure to the patient's right eye led to irreversible vision loss due to a macular burn. This incident caused immediate pain, followed by the sudden appearance of floaters, along with a retinal and vitreous hemorrhage. Despite treatment with off-label bevacizumab for the development of a choroidal neovascular membrane, vision remained at the level of counting fingers because of the presence of the macular scar.
CONCLUSION
When utilizing laser-based devices, it is crucial to employ safety measures, such as the wearing of safety goggles or the use of eye shields to protect ocular tissues from potential damage. The growing availability of cosmetic laser devices presents a substantial public health risk, because numerous operators lack adequate training in essential safety standards, or they neglect to follow them. Furthermore, patients seeking services abroad are subject to the regulatory practices of the destination country, which may not always enforce the requisite safety standards. Further research is needed to determine regional and global incidence of laser-related injuries to help direct educational and regulatory efforts.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Medical Tourism; Public Health; Eye Injuries; Lasers, Solid-State; Laser Therapy
PubMed: 38532396
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03383-z -
Ceska a Slovenska Oftalmologie :... 2024To study the relationship between the severity of COVID-induced metabolic changes and the structure and frequency of retinal changes, according to funduscopy data in...
AIMS
To study the relationship between the severity of COVID-induced metabolic changes and the structure and frequency of retinal changes, according to funduscopy data in patients with different clinical courses of COVID-19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
117 patients with COVID-19 were examined. While examining patients, severity of the course of COVID-19, the expressiveness of changes in the metabolic status were determined; fundus image registration was performed with portable fundus cameras Pictor Plus Fundus Camera and VistaView (Volk Optical).
RESULTS
As a result of the research, retinal changes were found in 49 (41.9 %) patients with COVID-19. In 8 (16.3 %) cases, clinically significant (vitreous hemorrhage, prethrombosis of the central retinal vein or branches of the central retinal vein, thrombosis of the central retinal vein or branches of the central retinal vein) COVID-induced retinal and ophthalmological changes were observed, which caused a decrease in visual acuity. In 41 (83.7 %) cases, clinically insignificant changes (cotton wool spots, narrowed retinal vessels, intraretinal and petechial hemorrhages, tortuosity and dilatation of retinal venules) COVID-induced retinal changes were observed. Clinically significant retinal changes occur in patients with a statistically significantly higher level of D-dimer and a greater percentage of lung parenchyma lesion than in the group of patients with clinically insignificant retinal changes (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The structure of retinal changes in patients with COVID-19 correlates with the severity of the clinical course of the disease and changes in the metabolic status of patients. Metabolic changes are correlated with retinal changes and can be predictive for preventing general vascular complications in COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Retina; Retinal Vessels; Fundus Oculi; Fluorescein Angiography
PubMed: 38527912
DOI: 10.31348/2024/12 -
Oman Journal of Ophthalmology 2024Inadvertent globe perforation following peribulbar anesthesia can lead to unpleasant experiences if not identified early and managed appropriately. We present the case...
Inadvertent globe perforation following peribulbar anesthesia can lead to unpleasant experiences if not identified early and managed appropriately. We present the case of a 75-year-old female who came with decreased vision in the left eye (LE) following cataract surgery under peribulbar block. Her visual acuity in the right eye (RE) was 6/24 and LE was 6/75. Fundus examination of LE showed vitreous hemorrhage with localized subretinal hemorrhage along the inferotemporal arcade suggestive of globe perforation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT, Spectralis. Heidelberg imaging, Germany) scan across the perforation site showed subretinal hemorrhage and full-thickness retinal tear. On follow-up, two more focal points of retinal whitening were noted in the inferotemporal equatorial region. The patient was kept under close monitoring, and 4 weeks later, vision improved to 6/9 and barrage laser was done around the perforation sites. Serial OCT scans and close follow-up in iatrogenic globe perforation can result in good visual outcomes.
PubMed: 38524350
DOI: 10.4103/ojo.ojo_38_22 -
Medical Hypothesis, Discovery &... 2023Diabetic macular edema (DME) affects approximately 10% of patients with diabetes mellitus. This condition can cause blurred or distorted vision, which significantly...
BACKGROUND
Diabetic macular edema (DME) affects approximately 10% of patients with diabetes mellitus. This condition can cause blurred or distorted vision, which significantly affects the quality of life of these patients. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections on persistent DME.
METHODS
This prospective interventional case series included patients with confirmed persistent DME that was unresponsive to previous standard treatments. The patients underwent comprehensive eye examinations and macular imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT). A single intravitreal MTX injection (400 µg MTX in 0.16 mL solution) was administered, followed by patient assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. Best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), macular thickness (MT), and central subfield thickness (CST) were measured at baseline and post-injection to evaluate treatment efficacy.
RESULTS
We included 33 eyes of 30 patients with a mean (standard deviation [SD], range) age of 62.7 (8.3, 44 to 77) years, of whom 17 (56.7%) were men and 13 (43.3%) were women. All participants had type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a mean (SD, range) duration of 17.0 (6.8, 10 to 31) years. Most participants (n = 27 eyes, 81.8%) had non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and six eyes (18.2%) had regressed proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Four eyes (12.1%) had undergone prior macular laser photocoagulation. The mean (SD) number of prior intravitreal bevacizumab injections was 3.4 (0.8), and 29 eyes (87.8%) had received one intravitreal triamcinolone injection. During the study period, a statistically significant difference was observed in CST (0.05); however, no statistically significant differences were observed in BCDVA, MT, or IOP (> 0.05). Pairwise comparison revealed a significant decrease in CST at 6 months post-injection compared to the baseline value (0.05). During the investigation period, no side effects of MTX, such as macular edema, retinal tears, vitreous hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, or vision loss, were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
A single intravitreal MTX injection significantly reduced CST in patients with persistent DME, without relevant safety concerns. However, no significant improvement in functional outcomes was observed. Therefore, there is no strong evidence to recommend its use as a treatment for pDME. Further studies, preferably randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-ups, are warranted to assess the long-term efficacy, safety, and potential benefits of intravitreal MTX for the treatment of persistent DME.
PubMed: 38476576
DOI: 10.51329/mehdiophthal1480 -
The Journal of International Medical... Mar 2024Terson syndrome refers to intraocular haemorrhage that occurs due to subarachnoid bleeding associated with an acute increase in intracranial pressure. No previous study... (Review)
Review
Terson syndrome refers to intraocular haemorrhage that occurs due to subarachnoid bleeding associated with an acute increase in intracranial pressure. No previous study has reported a delayed macular hole (MH) secondary to Terson syndrome. A 17-year-old boy visited our department and presented with vitreous bleeding and a history of subarachnoid haemorrhage. Sub-internal limiting membrane (ILM) haemorrhage with ILM detachment and intraretinal haemorrhage were detected during pars plana vitrectomy. Additionally, a delayed MH was detected 1 week after the surgery. There was no sign of MH closure during a 2-month follow-up. Subsequently, an MH massage was performed to close the MH. Our findings suggest that a delayed MH can occur secondary to Terson syndrome. Elevated hydrodynamic pressure and hydrostatic pressure, which are caused by sub-ILM and intraretinal haemorrhages of the fovea, contribute to the formation of an MH. Additionally, ILM peeling may cause damage to the macula and facilitate the formation of MHs. Although the MH may close by itself, early surgical intervention is recommended when there is no sign that the MH will close spontaneously because a prolonged MH can lead to retinal damage.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adolescent; Retinal Perforations; Visual Acuity; Macula Lutea; Retina; Vitrectomy; Vitreous Hemorrhage; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38460551
DOI: 10.1177/03000605241233125 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia 2024This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of a one-way fluid-air exchange procedure for the treatment of postvitrectomy diabetic vitreous...
PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of a one-way fluid-air exchange procedure for the treatment of postvitrectomy diabetic vitreous hemorrhage in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
METHODS
This retrospective study included 233 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, who underwent vitrectomy. A one-way fluid-air exchange procedure was performed in 24 eyes of 24 (10.30%) patients with persistent vitreous cavity rebleeding after the operation. Preprocedural and postprocedural best-corrected visual acuity values were achieved. Complications occurring during and after the procedure were analyzed.
RESULTS
Significant visual improvement was observed 1 month after the one-way fluid-air exchange procedure (2.62 ± 0.60 LogMAR at baseline vs. 0.85 ± 0.94 LogMAR at postprocedure, p<0.0001). Moreover, 19 (79.17%) eyes needed the procedure once, and 5 (20.83%) eyed had the procedure more than twice. In 3 (12.50%) eyes, reoperation was eventually required because of persistent rebleeding despite several fluid-air exchanges. No complication was observed during the follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
The one-way fluid-air exchange procedure can be an excellent alternative to re-vitrectomy for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy suffering from postvitrectomy diabetic vitreous hemorrhage by removing the hemorrhagic contents directly and achieving fast recovery of visual function without apparent complications.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Retinopathy; Vitreous Hemorrhage; Retrospective Studies; Hemorrhage; Eye; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38451685
DOI: 10.5935/0004-2749.2022-0334