East Melbourne Research Articles

Macro-invertebrate species diversity as a potential universal measure of wetland ecosystem integrity in constructed wetlands in South East Melbourne

The use of macroinvertebrates in the assessment of wetland ecosystem integrity is an increasingly common tool used for management and conservation. The sensitivity of macroinvertebrates to ecological fluctuation makes them reliable and appealing indicators of ecosystem integrity. However, there is little or no published data available for assessment of wetland ecosystem integrity on the basis of macroinvertebrate species diversity in constructed wetlands of metropolitan Melbourne. The aim of the following study was to assess significant differences in macroinvertebrate diversity in three constructed wetlands in South East metropolitan Melbourne and consequently, suitability as a universal measure of wetland ecosystem integrity. Three wetlands were chosen randomly, with the requirement that they were entirely man-made, from a list of constructed wetlands in South East metropolitan Melbourne. Between 481 and 629 organisms were found in each wetland comprising 16 different taxa. The one-way ANOVA for species richness (P > 0.05, F = 0.19) and Shannon-Weiner diversity index (P > 0.05, F = 2.54) indicate no significant differences between the wetlands in both of these measures. The data collected in the present study compared with published species richness and Shannon-Weiner diversity index data suggests macroinvertebrate species diversity can be used as a universal measure of wetland ecosystem integrity in constructed wetlands in South East metropolitan Melbourne. This is important where there is need for a rapid and streamlined tool for assessment of ecosystem integrity and consequently, the management and conservation of constructed wetlands.

Melanoma stem cells – are there devils in the detail?

Melanoma Research Laboratory and Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Life Sciences Institute, Department of Internal Medicine and Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Correspondance Mark Shackleton, e-mail: mark.shackleton@ petermac.org

SEX DIFFERENCES IN PRESENTATION, SEVERITY, AND MANAGEMENT OF STROKE IN A POPULATION-BASED STUDY

OBJECTIVES: Women may have poorer outcomes after stroke than men because of differences in their acute management. We examined sex differences in presentation, severity, in-hospital treatment, and early mortality in a cohort of first-ever-in-a-lifetime stroke patients. METHODS: Data were collected from May 1, 1996, to April 30, 1999, in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study. Stroke symptoms, prestroke medical history, in-hospital investigations, admission and discharge medications, initial stroke severity, and 28-day mortality were recorded. Multivariable regression was used to estimate sex differences in treatment, investigations, and 28-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,316 patients were included. Women were older (mean age 76 +/- 0.6 vs 72 +/- 0.6, p < 0.01), had more severe strokes (median NIH Stroke Scale score 6 vs 5, p < 0.01), and more likely to experience loss of consciousness (31% vs 23%, p = 0.003) and incontinence (22% vs 11%, p = 0.01) than men. Women were less often on lipid-lowering therapy on admission. Echocardiography and carotid investigations were less frequently performed in women due to greater age and stroke severity. Women had greater 28-day mortality (32% vs 21%, p < 0.001) and stroke severity (44% vs 36%, p = 0.01) than men, but adjustment for age, comorbidities, and stroke severity (for mortality only) completely attenuated these associations. CONCLUSION: Sex differences seen in this study were mostly explained by women's older age, greater comorbidity, and stroke severity. The reasons for differences according to age may need further examination.

Correlates of perceiving human resource management as a 'problem' in smaller firms

In this paper we investigate factors likely to correlate with human resource management (HRM) being perceived as a problem in smaller firms. The owner-manager and firm characteristics identified recognise that managerial ‘problems’ can result from a firm’s phase of growth, as well as the way in which an owner-manager’s capacity and characteristics affect their interpretation of such. From a survey of 1200 smaller firms in south east Melbourne (Australia), we use logistic regression on data from 428 respondents to assess organisational and individual factors correlating with perceiving HRM, broadly defined, to be a problem. The highest odds of this occurring were associated with being a larger manufacturing firm which was in a phase of growth other than diversification and which had a long-tenured manager who based the firm’s competitive success on factors other than the quality of staff. Knowing these correlates means assistance to help solve the perceived ‘problem’ with HRM can be more effectively targeted.

Extraction of data for margin calculations in prostate radiotherapy from a commercial record and verify system

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation OncologyVolume 54, Issue 2 p. 161-170 Extraction of data for margin calculations in prostate radiotherapy from a commercial record and verify system C Fox, Corresponding Author C Fox Physical Sciences Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaMr Chris Fox, Physical Sciences Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne 3002, Australia. Email: chris.fox@petermac.orgSearch for more papers by this authorR Fisher, R Fisher Centre for Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorT Kron, T Kron Physical Sciences Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorKH Tai, KH Tai Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorA Thompson, A Thompson Radiation Therapy Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorR Owen, R Owen Radiation Therapy Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorF Foroudi, F Foroudi Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author C Fox, Corresponding Author C Fox Physical Sciences Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaMr Chris Fox, Physical Sciences Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Andrews Place, East Melbourne 3002, Australia. Email: chris.fox@petermac.orgSearch for more papers by this authorR Fisher, R Fisher Centre for Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorT Kron, T Kron Physical Sciences Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorKH Tai, KH Tai Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorA Thompson, A Thompson Radiation Therapy Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorR Owen, R Owen Radiation Therapy Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorF Foroudi, F Foroudi Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Australia Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 20 April 2010 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-9485.2010.02156.xCitations: 4 C Fox M App Sc, Dip Ed; R Fisher MB, BS, PhD; T Kron PhD; KH Tai MB, BS, FRANZCR; A Thompson MHSc; R Owen PhD; F Foroudi MB, BS, FRANZCR. Conflict of interest: None. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume54, Issue2April 2010Pages 161-170 RelatedInformation

Sex differences in presentation, severity, and management of stroke in a population-based study

Women may have poorer outcomes after stroke than men because of differences in their acute management. We examined sex differences in presentation, severity, in-hospital treatment, and early mortality in a cohort of first-ever-in-a-lifetime stroke patients. Data were collected from May 1, 1996, to April 30, 1999, in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study. Stroke symptoms, prestroke medical history, in-hospital investigations, admission and discharge medications, initial stroke severity, and 28-day mortality were recorded. Multivariable regression was used to estimate sex differences in treatment, investigations, and 28-day mortality. A total of 1,316 patients were included. Women were older (mean age 76 +/- 0.6 vs 72 +/- 0.6, p < 0.01), had more severe strokes (median NIH Stroke Scale score 6 vs 5, p < 0.01), and more likely to experience loss of consciousness (31% vs 23%, p = 0.003) and incontinence (22% vs 11%, p = 0.01) than men. Women were less often on lipid-lowering therapy on admission. Echocardiography and carotid investigations were less frequently performed in women due to greater age and stroke severity. Women had greater 28-day mortality (32% vs 21%, p < 0.001) and stroke severity (44% vs 36%, p = 0.01) than men, but adjustment for age, comorbidities, and stroke severity (for mortality only) completely attenuated these associations. Sex differences seen in this study were mostly explained by women's older age, greater comorbidity, and stroke severity. The reasons for differences according to age may need further examination.

Closing editorial: processes, opportunities and challenges after introduction of human papillomavirus vaccine

Victorian Cytology Service, PO Box 310, East Melbourne, Vic. 8002, Australia. National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia. School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia. Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Vic. 3052, Australia. Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Vic. 3052, Australia. Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia. Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3052, Australia. Corresponding author. Email: jbrother@vcs.org.au

The health loss from ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage: evidence from the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study (NEMESIS)

BackgroundPeople suffering different types of stroke have differing demographic characteristics and survival. However, current estimates of disease burden are based on the same underlying assumptions irrespective of stroke type. We hypothesized that average Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) lost from stroke would be different for ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).MethodsWe used 1 and 5-year data collected from patients with first-ever stroke participating in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study (NEMESIS). We calculated case fatality rates, health-adjusted life expectancy, and quality-of-life (QoL) weights specific to each age and gender category. Lifetime 'health loss' for first-ever ischemic stroke and ICH surviving 28-days for the 2004 Australian population cohort was then estimated. Multivariable uncertainty analyses and sensitivity analyses (SA) were used to assess the impact of varying input parameters e.g. case fatality and QoL weights.ResultsPaired QoL data at 1 and 5 years were available for 237 NEMESIS participants. Extrapolating NEMESIS rates, 31,539 first-ever strokes were expected for Australia in 2004. Average discounted (3%) QALYs lost per first-ever stroke were estimated to be 5.09 (SD 0.20; SA 5.49) for ischemic stroke (n = 27,660) and 6.17 (SD 0.26; SA 6.45) for ICH (n = 4,291; p < 0.001). QALYs lost also differed according to gender for both subtypes (ischemic stroke: males 4.69 SD 0.38, females 5.51 SD 0.46; ICH: males 5.82 SD 0.67, females 6.50 SD 0.40).DiscussionPeople with ICH incurred greater loss of health over a lifetime than people with ischemic stroke. This is explained by greater stroke related case fatality at a younger age, but longer life expectancy with disability after the first 12 months for people with ICH. Thus, studies of disease burden in stroke should account for these differences between subtype and gender. Otherwise, in countries where ICH is more common, health loss for stroke may be underestimated. Similar to other studies of this type, the generalisability of the results may be limited. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were used to provide a plausible range of variation for Australia. In countries with demographic and life expectancy characteristics comparable to Australia, our QoL weights may be reasonably applicable.

Analysis of the power spectra, autocorrelation function and EEG time-series signal of a network of leaky integrate-and-fire neurons with conductance-based synapses

Address: 1Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia, 2The Bionic Ear Institute, 384388 Albert St, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia, 3Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia and 4NICTA VRL, c/Dept of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia

Estimating the Long-Term Costs Of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke for Australia

Stroke is associated with considerable societal costs. Cost-of-illness studies have been undertaken to estimate lifetime costs; most incorporating data up to 12 months after stroke. Costs of stroke, incorporating data collected up to 12 months, have previously been reported from the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study (NEMESIS). NEMESIS now has patient-level resource use data for 5 years. We aimed to recalculate the long-term resource utilization of first-ever stroke patients and compare these to previous estimates obtained using data collected to 12 months. Population structure, life expectancy, and unit prices within the original cost-of-illness models were updated from 1997 to 2004. New Australian stroke survival and recurrence data up to 10 years were incorporated, as well as cross-sectional resource utilization data at 3, 4, and 5 years from NEMESIS. To enable comparisons, 1997 costs were inflated to 2004 prices and discounting was standardized. In 2004, 27 291 ischemic stroke (IS) and 4291 intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke (ICH) first-ever events were estimated. Average annual resource use after 12 months was AU$6022 for IS and AU$3977 for ICH. This is greater than the 1997 estimates for IS (AU$4848) and less than those for ICH (previously AU$10 692). The recalculated average lifetime costs per first-ever case differed for IS (AU$57 106 versus AU$52 855 [1997]), but differed more for ICH (AU$49 995 versus AU$92 308 [1997]). Basing lifetime cost estimates on short-term data overestimated the costs for ICH and underestimated those for IS. Patterns of resource use varied by stroke subtype and, overall, the societal cost impact was large.

Smoking Cessation at 5 Years after Stroke in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study

Background/Aims: There is limited knowledge about smoking cessation after stroke. We examined smoking cessation and recall of smoking cessation advice among 5-year stroke survivors. Methods: Interviews were conducted between May 2002 and May 2004 with 5-year survivors from a population-based stroke incidence study undertaken from May 1 1997 to April 30 1999 in Melbourne, Australia. Data were gathered on smoking status at stroke onset, cessation advice recalled and periods of cessation up to 5 years after stroke. Cessation was determined by examining smoking status at stroke onset and at 5 years after stroke. Results: Of the 441 5-year stroke survivors, 343 (78%) had smoking data at follow-up. Fifty-one people were current smokers at stroke onset and 19 (37%) had quit smoking by 5 years after stroke. Of the 40 ever smokers who responded to a question regarding cessation advice, 40% (n = 16) could not recall receiving any such advice since their stroke. Conclusion: The majority of smokers continued to smoke at 5 years after stroke. Few smokers recalled smoking cessation advice. Given that receiving such advice can be the first step towards cessation, improvements in the delivery of advice to this high-risk group are needed

Use of Lidocaine Patches for Neuropathic Pain in a Comprehensive Cancer Centre

There are few reports of the use of the lidocaine 5% patch (L5%P) for neuropathic pain (NP) in the cancer patient. Within a comprehensive cancer centre, L5%P has been prescribed by the Pain and Palliative Care Service (Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) for selected patients with NP since 2001. To retrospectively audit the use of L5%P within a comprehensive cancer centre. All L5%P prescriptions up to January 2009 were listed and patient medical records were searched to determine neuropathic pain syndromes treated, the presence of allodynia, previous analgesic medications, treatment duration and outcome. L5%P was prescribed for 97 patients, most frequently for persistent postsurgical NP (n=26), postherpetic neuralgia (n=24) and cancer-related NP (n=18). Six patients had no history of cancer and two patients never applied L5%P. Reviewers classed L5%P analgesic efficacy as 'potent' in 38% of patients with postherpetic neuralgia, 35% of patients with postsurgical pain, 27% of patients with NP after other treatments for cancer and 12% of patients with NP attributed to cancer alone. Allodynia featured in at least 60% of patients. Where allodynia was present, the efficacy of L5%P was assessed as 'potent' in 38% and 'partial' in 24%, but 'ineffective' in 26%, and 'causing worse pain' in 3.4% of patients. Treatment duration extended longer than one month in 52 patients, longer than two months in 29 patients and longer than one year in 13 patients. Therapy was ceased due to skin irritation in seven patients. The outcomes in relation to other reports are discussed. The present data support trials of L5%P for cancer patients with NP syndromes associated with allodynia.

Handicap 5 Years after Stroke in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study

Background: Handicap is rarely comprehensively examined after stroke. We examined handicap among 5-year stroke survivors from an ‘ideal’ stroke incidence study. Methods: Survivors were assessed with the London Handicap Scale [LHS, score range: 0 (greatest handicap) to 100 (least handicap)]. Multivariable regression was used to examine demographic, risk and stroke-related factors associated with handicap. Results: 351 of 441 (80%) survivors were assessed. Those assessed were more often Australian born than those not assessed (p < 0.05). The mean LHS score was 73 (SD = 21). The greatest handicap was present for physical independence and occupation/leisure items. Handicap was associated with older age, manual occupations, smoking, initial stroke severity, recurrent stroke and mood disorders. Conclusion: Reducing recurrent stroke, through better risk factor management, is likely to reduce handicap. The association between handicap and mood disorders, which are potentially modifiable, warrants further investigation.

Incidence of Stroke Subtypes in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study (NEMESIS): Differences between Men and Women

Background and Purpose: Incidence rates of stroke subtypes may be imprecise when samples are small. We aimed to determine the incidence of stroke subtypes in a large geographically defined population. Methods: Multiple overlapping sources were used to ascertain all strokes occurring in 22 postcodes (population of 306,631) of Melbourne, Australia, between 1997 and 1999. Stroke subtypes were defined by CT, MRI and autopsy. The Mantel-Haenszel age-adjusted rate ratio (MH RR) was used to compare incidence rates between men and women. Results: We identified 1,421 strokes among 1,337 residents, 1,035 (72.8%) being first-ever strokes. Incidence (number/100,000 population/year), adjusted to the European population 45–84 years, was 197 (95% confidence interval, CI, 169–224) for ischemic stroke (IS), 47 (95% CI 33–60) for intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and 19 (95% CI 10–27) for subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Compared with women, men in this age group had a greater incidence of IS (MH RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.39–1.96, p < 0.0001) and ICH (MH RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.01–2.10, p = 0.0420), but lesser rates of SAH (MH RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16–0.69, p = 0.0031). Conclusions: In this population-based study, the incidence of IS and ICH was greater among men than women, while women had a greater incidence of SAH. More effort may need to be directed at modifying risk factors for IS and ICH in men.

Factors critical to the success of a Six-Sigma quality program in an Australian hospital

While there is substantial evidence from manufacturing industries, there is limited empirical evidence demonstrating the relationship between factors associated with a Six-Sigma quality program and the performance of organisations in the health sector. In this paper we examine this relationship, drawing on data obtained from the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital. The hospital is an acute tertiary teaching hospital based in East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. While the hospital's quality improvement approach was not founded on Six Sigma, the improvement method adopted has many common elements of the Six-Sigma Methodology DMAIC – Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control. Data were collected using questionnaires to examine the relationship between the factors of the hospital's quality program and performance. For the purposes of the study, the performance of the hospital is defined as equitable and timely access into the clinical services of emergency, outpatients and surgery and the appropriate safe and timely discharge back to the community. The questionnaires were able to provide responses showing the relationship between structures, behaviours and outcomes. There are gaps between what the respondents expect as being a necessary part of a quality program and the actual results in the hospital. A number of factors that comprise the quality program are significantly associated with the hospital's performance. The CEO and executive of the hospital have determined that the questionnaires will be adopted and administered regularly. The executive noted that a number of factors showed the actual performance was close to the performance expected by the managers. This was in agreement with the prevailing view and supported by data from the performance measures. On the basis of the results an extension of the hospital's regular training course has been agreed on and will be conducted throughout all levels of the hospital. This is aimed at closing the gaps indicated in the results. The hospital will use the questionnaires in benchmarking with other like hospitals, in particular partners in its international benchmarking project.

Planning and implementing an implanted fiducial programme for prostate cancer radiation therapy

Using implanted gold seeds as fiducial markers to verify the position of the prostate in radiation therapy is well accepted and is becoming the standard of practice and requirement for international multicentre trials. In 2006 the decision was made at the Peter MacCallum Caner Centre (Peter Mac) to plan for and implement this process as standard clinical practice for radical dose prostate treatments (74-78 Gy). Before this, programme verification of field placement for prostate cancer radiation treatment was routinely carried out using regular off-line electronic portal imaging with matching of bony anatomy. A small multidisciplinary team investigated and assisted in the implementation of this new practice across the Peter Mac sites at East Melbourne and our three satellite centres. Issues considered included seed size, number and position in the prostate, implant equipment, imaging equipment and procedure and consent and information forms. The use of a custom made fiducial pack, comprehensive patient information and a daily on-line imaging process was implemented. The experience of the first 28 patients at Peter Mac from January 2007 to May 2007 inclusive is reported on.

Patterns of Stroke Recurrence According to Subtype of First Stroke Event: The North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study (NEMESIS)

Specific information about the nature of recurrent events that occur after each subtype of index stroke may be useful for refining preventive therapies. We aimed to determine whether stroke recurrence rates, the pattern of subtype recurrence, and prescription of secondary prevention agents differed according to initial stroke subtype. Multiple overlapping sources were used to recruit all first-ever stroke patients from a geographically defined region of Melbourne, Australia over a 3-year period from 1996 to 1999. Potential stroke recurrences (fatal and nonfatal) occurring within 2 years of the initial event were identified following patient interview and follow up of death records. Subjects were classified into the different Oxfordshire groups and the type of first-ever stroke was compared with recurrent stroke events. One thousand, three hundred and sixteen first-ever strokes were registered during the 3-year period (mean age 74.4 years). A total of 103 first recurrent stroke events (fatal and nonfatal) occurred among those with a first-ever ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) during the 2-year follow-up period. The recurrent stroke subtype was different to the index stroke subtype in most (78%) patients. People with partial anterior circulation infarct had the greatest proportion of recurrences (13%), with a third of these being the more severe total anterior circulation infarct subgroup. The relative risk of ICH after an index lacunar infarct (LACI) compared with an index non-LACI was 4.06 (95% CI 1.10-14.97, P=0.038). Prescription of secondary prevention agents was greater at 2 years after stroke than at hospital discharge, and was similar between ischemic stroke subtypes. Approximately 9% of people with first-ever stroke suffered a recurrent event, despite many being prescribed secondary prevention agents. This has implications for the uptake of current preventive strategies and the development of new strategies. The possibility that ICH is greater among index LACI cases needs to be confirmed.

ACYCLOVIR THERAPY IN PREVENTION OF RECURRENT HERPETIC KERATITIS FOLLOWING PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY

Ivey Eye Institute London, Ontario, Canada Original study reprint requests: Rasik B. Vajpayee, Center for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, 32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia. E-mail address: [email protected]au.

Evaluation of iris recognition system for wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis for myopic astigmatism

To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using an iris recognition system for the correction of myopic astigmatism. Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne Excimer Laser Research Group, and Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. A comparative analysis of wavefront-guided LASIK was performed with an iris recognition system (iris recognition group) and without iris recognition (control group). The main parameters were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, amount of residual cylinder, manifest spherical equivalent (SE), and the index of success using the Alpins method of astigmatism analysis 1 and 3 months postoperatively. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Preoperatively, the mean SE was -4.32 diopters (D) +/- 1.59 (SD) in the iris recognition group (100 eyes) and -4.55 +/- 1.87 D in the control group (98 eyes) (P = .84). At 3 months, the mean SE was -0.05 +/- 0.21 D and -0.20 +/- 0.40 D, respectively (P = .001), and an SE within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia was achieved in 92.0% and 85.7% of eyes, respectively (P = .07). At 3 months, the UCVA was 20/20 or better in 90.0% and 76.5% of eyes, respectively. A statistically significant difference in the amount of astigmatic correction was seen between the 2 groups (P = .00 and P = .01 at 1 and 3 months, respectively). The index of success was 98.0% in the iris recognition group and 81.6% in the control group (P = .03). Iris recognition software may achieve better visual and refractive outcomes in wavefront-guided LASIK for myopic astigmatism.

East Melbourne Group Inc v Minister for Planning and Another

East Melbourne Group Inc v Minister for Planning and Another