Sight-threatening Complications Research Articles

Comparison of Endogenous Endophthalmitis in Patients with and Without COVID-19 Infection.

Endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) is an ophthalmic emergency that can have severe sight-threatening complications. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment are central to the successful management of EE. In recent years, a significant increase has occurred in the number of cases of EE. Some of these individuals had a COVID-19 infection. The current study compared EE in patients with and without COVID-19 infection. All cases of EE admitted to Khalili Hospital between April 2020 and September 2021 were included in this prospective case-control study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (i) the case group (EE patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection; n = 7) and (ii) the control group (EE patients without a history or evidence of COVID-19 infection; n = 7). Age, sex, presenting and final visual acuity, systemic diseases and risk factors for EE, anterior segment and fundus findings, hospitalization due to COVID-19, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, systemic steroid therapy, results of the sepsis workup, causative microorganism, types of treatment (pars plana vitrectomy vs. intravitreal or antifungal antibiotics), and follow-up period were recorded. Twenty-four eyes of the 14 patients were included in this study, of which 9 were female. The mean age was 49.57 years. Follow-ups ranged from 1 month to 20 months (mean, 8 months). There were no statistically significant differences in age (P = 0.653), mean follow-up (P = 0.943), gender (P = 0.313), and clinical presentation (P = 0.409) between the case and control groups. Seven patients (50%) had positive intraocular culture results. Two out of 7 patients had a history of COVID-19 infection. The most common causative microorganism was Candida (4 patients [28.57%]; 6 eyes [25%]). No statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the need for vitrectomy (P = 1.000). The visual outcome between the 2 groups was similar (P = 0.179). The COVID-19 infection does not seem to affect the severity, visual outcomes, improvement rate, or vitrectomy rate of EE. Early diagnosis and management, especially pars plana vitrectomy, can prevent serious complications and save many eyes.

Prompt and Sustained Suppression of Intraocular Inflammation with Adalimumab in Pediatric Patients with Non-Infectious Uveitis Resistant to Traditional Managements: A 6-Month Follow-Up Research

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) on visual acuity (VA), ocular inflammation, vitreous haze and central macular thickness (CMT) in pediatric refractory non-infectious uveitis. Methods Thirty-one eyes of 16 pediatric patients with uveitis of various etiologies were treated with ADA. VA, intraocular active inflammatory cells, vitreous haze, and CMT were evaluated at the baseline and 2nd, 4th, 12th, and 24th weeks following ADA treatment. Results Twenty-three of 31 eyes had active and the remaining 8 eyes had inactive uveitis (with frequent relapse) before ADA therapy. VA (LogMAR) increased at 12th week following ADA treatment (p< .001). Intraocular inflammation degrees significantly improved within 4 weeks (p< .001). Vitreous haze decreased at fourth week and stabilized at 12th week (p= .038). CMT started to decrease within weeks and stabilized at 12th week (p= .006). Conclusions ADA was found to be safe and effective to suppress intraocular inflammation in pediatric non-infectious uveitis, which prevented sight-threatening complications.

Incidence et facteurs de risque des kératopathies d’exposition en milieu de réanimation : à propos de 91 patients

Exposure keratopathy is a sight-threatening complication which can occur in patients admitted to intensive care units. This is a prospective study over a period of 5 months in the intensive care unit of the specialty hospital of the IBN SINA medical center, with a capacity of 8 beds. The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for exposure keratopathy in intensive care settings. Forty-two percent of patients developed exposure keratopathy, 48% exhibited chemosis, and 40% showed lagophthalmos with the cornea visible in 30% of cases. The frequency of keratopathy was significantly higher in patients with chemosis and lagophthalmos (P<0.0001). Lagophthalmos was significantly related to chemosis (P<0.0001). Chemosis in the ventilated patient, also known as "ventilator eye," is a serious complication leading to the risk of keratopathy. The risk factors for keratopathy found in our series were chemosis (OR=25.28, 95% CI=[3.339-191.52] P-value=0.002), lagophthalmos (OR=40.8, 95% CI=[4.347-383.666] P-value=0.001) and length of stay in intensive care (OR=12.28, 95% CI=[1.476-102.230] P-value=0.020). Several methods might be used and adapted to each case for prevention of exposure keratopathy, and we found that raising nursing staff awareness is of paramount importance.

Intraoperative subconjunctival steroid reduces the incidence of pseudophakic macular oedema: a cohort study of 20,066 consecutive phacoemulsification surgeries.

Pseudophakic macular oedema remains the most common sight-threatening complication following cataract surgery. This study aims to assess the effect of intraoperative subconjunctival steroids on the rate of pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema. A retrospective, observational database study of 20 066 consecutive phacoemulsification surgeries. The incidence of pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema was compared in eyes that did and did not receive intraoperative subconjunctival steroid injection during routine cataract surgery. Intraoperative subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone or betamethasone sodium phosphate significantly reduced the odds of developing pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema across the cohort (odds ratio: 0.67; 95% confidence interval: 0.46-0.98, p = 0.039). The effect of subconjunctival steroids on pseudophakic macular oedema remained independently associated on multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.028). This study demonstrates that administration of intraoperative subconjunctival steroid injection is associated with a reduced incidence of pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema in routine, uncomplicated cataract surgery.

A new small molecule DHODH-inhibitor [KIO-100 (PP-001)] targeting activated T cells for intraocular treatment of uveitis - A phase I clinical trial.

[https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03634475], identifier [NCT03634475].

Selective Endothelialectomy in Peters Anomaly: A Novel Surgical Technique and Its Clinical Outcomes in Children.

This study describes the surgical outcomes of selective endothelialectomy in Peters anomaly (SEPA), a relatively new technique to manage Peters anomaly (PA). This study included 34 eyes of 28 children who had a visually significant posterior corneal defect due to PA and underwent SEPA between 2012 and 2019. A selective endothelialectomy from the posterior corneal defect was performed while preserving Descemet membrane. The primary outcome measure was the resolution of corneal opacification. The secondary outcome measures were functional vision, complications, and risk factors for failure. At a mean postoperative follow-up of 0.96 ± 0.20 years, 29 eyes (85.3%) maintained a successful outcome. Mean preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities were 2.55 ± 0.13 and 1.78 ± 0.13 ( P < 0.0001), respectively. Ambulatory functional visual improvement was seen in 97%, and 23% attained vision ranging between 20/190 and 20/50. Corneal opacification failed to clear in 5 eyes (15%). Risk factors associated with surgical failure were female sex ( P = 0.006), disease severity ( P < 0.0001), glaucoma ( P = 0.001), and additional interventions after SEPA ( P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, only disease severity (ie, a type 2 PA) was a significant risk factor for the failure of SEPA. There were no sight-threatening complications. SEPA is a safe and effective technique in select cases of posterior corneal defect due to PA. SEPA could be a potential surgical alternative to pediatric keratoplasty or optical iridectomy in children with central corneal opacification smaller than 7 mm due to PA.

Google Lens: A potential cost-effective screening tool for diabetic retinopathy

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major, sight-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Blindness from DR can be prevented by successful and proactive screening. However, DR is screened in less than half of the patients because of barriers in availability, affordability, accessibility, and awareness. Although artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms are being evaluated for DR screening, they have limitations of infrastructure, accessibility, training, and manpower cost. Therefore, simpler and more practical DR screening tools should be explored.&#x0D; Hypothesis: Google Lens, an easily available, vision- and AI-based application in most smartphones, is a potential tool for cost-effective DR screening. It recognises images through a visual analysis based on neural networking. Thus, it can recognize retinal disorders, such as DR, in images. The development and adoption of Google Lens-based DR screening would have several advantages over the conventional hospital/specialist/healthcare facility-based approach, including widespread accessibility, acceptable accuracy, reduction in the direct cost of healthcare for patients with diabetes mellitus, and active patient participation in self-care.&#x0D; Conclusions: DR screening, detection, and grading using Google Lens is a feasible and effective option. Despite current limitations, it could transform DR screening from a costly, hospital- and expert-based method to a cost-effective, self-applicable, and home-based one. However, diagnostic accuracy studies comparing the index test with Google Lens-based screening are required to determine the usability and validity of this proposed screening tool for DR.

MANAGEMENT CASE OF POST PHAKIC INTRAOCULAR LENS IMPLANT IN HIGH MYOPIA WITH COMPLICATED CATARACT AFTER VITRECTOMY: POST SURGERY CHALLENGES

Introduction: To highlight the therapeutic dilemma in managing complications in high myopia patient with complicated cataract after vitrectomy who previously had refractive surgery.&#x0D; Case Report: A 37-years old man, presented with half the right eye view was being blocked by a black curtain for one week before admission. He had a history of high myopia on both eyes and underwent phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation 12 years ago. Presenting visual acuity (VA) of the right eye was hand motion (HM). Retinal detachment (RD) on inferior side, and clear lens with anterior chamber (AC) PIOL were found in the examination. Patient underwent vitrectomy, endolaser, and silicone oil in the next four days. A sudden severe pain with red-eye was found one month after surgery, intraocular pressure (IOP) was increased to 43 mmHg, the lens was white opaque with lens material seen in AC. &#x0D; Discussion: The diagnosis of traumatic cataract and lens-particle-induced glaucoma was made. Lens mass evacuation surgery was performed after initial antiglaucoma medication. Posterior capsule rupture was found intraoperatively with only a small amount of lens mass remaining. Visual acuity result after the second surgery is still dissatisfied with the presence of rubeosis iridis, with the possibility of retinal re-detachment was still present.&#x0D; Conclusion: High myopia still poses a greater risk of ocular complications. It can be corrected by refractive surgery, with expensive cost and it will not prevent potential future ocular problems. Repeated assessment before and after refractive surgery procedure is mandatory in order to prevent sight-threatening complications of high myopia which might lead to other blinding complications.

OCT-Based Biomarkers are Associated with Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Treatment-Naïve Diabetic Macular Edema.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the major sight-threatening complications of diabetic retinopathy, which is associated with retinal inflammation. However, it is still unknown whether DME is associated with systemic inflammation. The study aimed to investigate the association between systemic inflammatory and optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers in patients with treatment-naïve center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) and to further explore the role of systemic inflammation in DME. Medical records including clinical characteristics and ophthalmic examinations were collected from patients with treatment-naïve center-involving DME. Systemic inflammation markers including systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. OCT biomarkers, including intraretinal cyst (IRC) size, disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), external limiting membrane (ELM)/ellipsoid zone (EZ) integrity, retinal hyperreflective foci (HRF), subretinal fluid (SRF) and vitreomacular (VM) status were evaluated manually. Correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between systemic inflammatory markers and OCT biomarkers. A total of 82 patients with treatment-naïve center-involving DME were included. The number of HRF on OCT was correlated with SII, NLR, and PLR and positively associated with SII (p < 0.001) in both univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. The differences remained largely the same during subgroup analysis controlling DM duration, SRF, and ELM/EZ integrity. No significant association was observed between other OCT biomarkers and blood inflammatory markers. Retinal HRF in diabetic macular edema is associated with blood inflammatory markers, which supports the theory of HRF's inflammatory nature and emphasizes the important role of inflammation in DME. SII may be a potential marker for DME treatment decisions.

Extended Overview of Ocular Phenotype with Recent Advances in Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia.

The term ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) describes a heterogeneous group of inherited developmental disorders that affect several tissues of ectodermal origin. The most common form of EDs is hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), which is characterized by hypodontia, hypotrichosis, and partial or total eccrine sweat gland deficiency. HED is estimated to affect at least 1 in 17,000 people worldwide. Patients with HED have characteristic facies with periorbital hyperpigmentation, depressed nasal bridge, malar hypoplasia, and absent or sparse eyebrows and eyelashes. The common ocular features of HED include madarosis, trichiasis, and ocular chronic surface disease due to dry eye syndrome, which manifests clinically with discomfort, photophobia, and redness. Dry eye is common in HED and results from a combination of ocular surface defects: mucus abnormalities (abnormal conjunctival mucinous glands), aqueous tear deficiency (abnormalities in the lacrimal gland) and lipid deficiency (due to the partial or total absence of the meibomian glands; modified sebaceous glands with the tarsal plate). Sight-threatening complications result from ocular surface disease, including corneal ulceration and perforation with subsequent corneal scarring and neovascularization. Rare ocular features have been reported and include bilateral or unilateral congenital cataracts, bilateral glaucoma, chorioretinal atrophy and atresia of the nasolacrimal duct. Recognition of the ocular manifestations of HED is required to perform clinical surveillance, instigate supportive and preventative treatment, and manage ocular complications.

Clear Lensectomy with Hydrus Stent in Black and Afro-Latino Patients: A 1-Year Retrospective Study.

Purpose To determine the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification, clear lensectomy, and the Hydrus microstent (Ivantis, Inc.) in Black and Afro-Latino glaucoma patients. Method This is a retrospective nonrandomized study of 134 Black and Afro-Latino patients who underwent clear lensectomy with Hydrus stent implant for the treatment of glaucoma. For comprehensive analysis, patients were divided into mild, moderate, and advanced glaucoma. The evaluated parameters were reductions in the number of medications, intraocular pressure (IOP), mean deviation on visual field test, and visual acuity. Results A total of 134 patients with 1-year follow-up were evaluated. At 1 year, the average number of medications significantly decreased from 2.5 ± 1.4 preoperatively to 0.43 ± 1.04 (p < 0.001) and IOP decreased from 14.4 ± 3.9 to 13.8 ± 3.10 (p=0.16). 110 (82.1%) patients were medication-free at 1 year (n = 57, 83.8% mild glaucoma; n = 37, 92.5% moderate glaucoma; n = 16, 61.5% advanced glaucoma). There was stabilization of mean deviation on the visual field test (baseline, −8.28; 1 year, −8.28; p=1). The most reported adverse effects were transient IOP spike and hyphema (n = 7, 5.2%; n = 3, 2.2%, respectively); both events were self-resolving. No decline in vision or sight-threatening complications were reported at 1 year, and no additional surgeries were required. Conclusion This 1-year retrospective study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of clear lensectomy and Hydrus stent implantation in decreasing medication burden while maintaining lower IOP in Black and Afro-Latino glaucoma patients.

Biologic therapies for juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most frequent rheumatic disease of childhood and uveitis is its most common extra-articular manifestation. JIA-associated uveitis (JIA-U) is one of the main causes of visual impairment in children and represents a major challenge for pediatrician and ophthalmologist, due to its insidious onset and sight-threatening complications. Topical glucocorticoids are the first line of treatment, followed by conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), usually methotrexate (MTX). In recent years, new biological drugs targeting specific molecules involved in disease pathogenesis, have significantly improved the prognosis of the disease, especially for cases refractory to conventional therapies. In this review we discuss the role of biological agents in JIA-U, focusing on cytokine blockers and cell-targeted therapies aimed to control ocular inflammation.

Ocular emergencies visits after corneal transplantation at a tertiary eye care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

To evaluate the characteristics of patients with post-keratoplasty complications and their presentation at an emergency center. Retrospective one-armed cohort study. Data were evaluated on patients who underwent corneal grafts in 2019 and presented to an emergency unit. Data were collected on patient demographics, presenting symptoms, clinical details, diagnosis at emergency visit, final diagnosis, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation and at the last follow-up after management. Severe visual impairment (SVI) and graft rejection were tested for correlations to other factors. The study sample was comprised of 149 eyes of 124 patients with a mean age of 27.5years. Keratoconus was the indication for keratoplasty in 94 (75.8%) patients. The main presenting symptoms were pain 57 (38.3%) and red eye in 52 (34.9%) patients. The median interval between emergency visit and keratoplasty was 1.6years. There were 63 (42.3%) patients who had emergency visits due to suture-related problems. The rates of SVI and graft rejection at the time of discharge after managing emergencies in eyes with previous keratoplasty were 14.1% (95% CI 8.5; 19.7) and 13.4 (95% CI 7.9; 18.9), respectively. Keratoconus (OR = 22.8) and young age (P < 0.001) were negatively associated with SVI after management. Patients with keratoplasty are at high risk for severe vision loss and should be counseled to seek urgent eye care for early detection and management of sight-threatening complications to improve graft survival and vision.

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy: an overview

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a rare inherited disorder, characterised by the abnormal development of retinal blood vessels. FEVR is marked by an avascular peripheral retina, which may give rise to a range of sight-threatening complications depending on the severity of the disease. FEVR and retinopathy of prematurity almost share the same ocular manifestations, but most FEVR cases are full-term. To date, several pathogenic genes have been reported to be associated with FEVR whose inheritance pattern may be autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked. It has been proposed that defects in the Norrin/Frizzled4 signalling pathway play a role in the pathogenesis of FEVR. Fluorescein Angiography stands out as a standard approach for an accurate diagnosis, especially in early stages and asymptomatic cases. Regarding current treatments, laser coagulation of retinal avascular zones is a key for managing neovascularization and exudation, and surgical intervention is required in severe cases with progressive retinal detachment.

Risk Factors and Treatments of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage.

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) is a rare but serious sight-threatening complication of inner eye surgery. Despite continuous advances in treatment, visual prognosis remains poor. The disease has a more typical clinical presentation, the etiology and pathogenesis are not well defined, and intraoperative ocular and systemic factors may induce fulminant SCH. To investigate risk factors and treatments of SCH-associated intraocular surgeries, summarize diagnosis, characteristics, management, and prevention of SCH developed during and after intraocular surgeries. A retrospective study of SCH occurred in six cases of intraocular surgeries including cataract, glaucoma, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and silicone oil removal surgery. Assess baseline systemic and ocular characteristics of SCH eyes. Analyze the second surgery timing and technique, and visual outcomes were measured. SCH occurred in six patients including five eyes during surgeries and one eye after the surgery. Three eyes that underwent cataract surgery had hard nucleuses (nuclear sclerotic 4+). One eye was due to hypotony during the vitrectomy procedure. One eye developed SCH when silicone oil was extracted from the eyeball. One eye developed delayed SCH after glaucoma surgery. Incision closure and anterior chamber deepening were performed. B-scan ultrasonography was used to diagnose SCH, and determine the timing and location of sclerotomy for the second surgery. Vitrectomy and sclerotomy were performed in five eyes. The median follow-up time was six months. The final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.3 in one eye, one eye had light perception with retinal adherence, and four eyes had no light perception with retinal detachment. The results showed that risk factors including advanced age, hypertension, taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and cardiovascular drugs were systemic risk factors, and hard nucleus (nuclear sclerosis 4 +) cataract, long-term uncontrolled ocular hypertension glaucoma, vitrectomy, silicone oil removal, high myopia, aphakia, previous intraocular surgery, intraocular pressure during surgery, and others were ocular risk factors. The most important risk factor is a sudden drop in intraocular pressure during or after surgery. The outcome of visual acuity depends on retinal status. Because of the poor prognosis, the prevention of SCH is of utmost importance during intraocular surgery.

Efficacy and safety of trans-sub-Tenon's retrobulbar anesthesia for pars plana vitrectomy: a randomized trial

AimTo compare the efficacy and safety of trans-sub-Tenon's ciliary nerve block anesthesia and transcutaneous retrobulbar anesthesia in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).MethodsA prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted at Zhongda Hospital, Affiliated with Southeast University, from February 2021 to October 2021. Patients undergoing PPV were randomly allocated into two groups: the trans-sub-Tenon's anesthesia group (ST group) and the retrobulbar anesthesia group (RB group) in the ratio of 1:1. The ST group received 2 ml ropivacaine through the Tenon capsule to the retrobulbar space, while the RB group received 2 ml ropivacaine via transcutaneous retrobulbar injection. Visual analog score (VAS) was used to evaluate pain during the whole process, including during anesthesia implementation, intraoperatively and on the first day after the operation. Movement evaluation (Brahma scores) and anesthesia-related complications were also noted.ResultsFinally, a total of 120 patients were included in the study (60 in the ST group and 60 in the RB group). There were no significant differences in baseline patient characteristics or surgical features between the two groups. The VAS pain scores for anesthesia implementation were 0.52 ± 0.47 in the ST group and 1.83 ± 0.87 in the RB group (P < 0.001). The VAS scores during the operation were 0.53 ± 0.49 in the ST group and 1.48 ± 1.02 in the RB group (P < 0.001) and those on the first day after the operation were 0.37 ± 0.38 in the ST group and 0.81 ± 0.80 in the RB group (P = 0.002). No patients required supplemental intravenous anesthesia intraoperatively. The Brahma movement scores were 0.70 ± 1.64 in the ST group (scores ranging from 0 to 8) and 2.38 ± 3.15 in the RB group (ranging from 0 to 12) (P = 0.001). Forty-two patients in each group received laser photocoagulation during surgery. Fifteen patients (36%) in the ST group could not see the flashes of the laser, compared to 8 patients (19%) in the RB group (P = 0.087). No serious sight-threatening or life-threatening complications related to anesthesia were observed in either group.ConclusionsFor PPV, trans-sub-Tenon's ciliary nerve block anesthesia was more effective in controlling pain than transcutaneous retrobulbar anesthesia during the whole surgery process, including during anesthesia implementation, intraoperatively and on the first day after the operation. Additionally, it could achieve better effect of akinesia and was relatively safe. Trans-sub-Tenon's anesthesia could be considered an alternative form of local anesthesia during vitreoretinal procedures.Trial registrationThe study protocol has been registered at ChiCTR.org.cn on February 2021 under the number ChiCTR2100043109.

Comprehensive Assessment of Quality of Life, Functioning, and Mental Health in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Noninfectious Uveitis.

Pediatric uveitis can lead to sight-threatening complications and can impact quality of life (QoL) and functioning. We aimed to examine health-related QoL, mental health, physical disability, vision-related functioning (VRF), and vision-related QoL in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), JIA-associated uveitis (JIA-U), and other noninfectious uveitis. We hypothesized that there will be differences based on the presence of eye disease. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted at four sites. Patients with JIA, JIA-U, or noninfectious uveitis were enrolled. Patients and parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL; health-related QoL), the Revised Childhood Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS; anxiety/depression), the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (C-HAQ; physical disability), and the Effects of Youngsters' Eyesight on Quality of Life (EYE-Q) (VRF/vision-related QoL). Clinical characteristics and patient-reported outcome measures were compared by diagnosis. Of 549 patients, 332 had JIA, 124 had JIA-U, and 93 had other uveitis diagnoses. Children with JIA-U had worse EYE-Q scores compared to those with JIA only. In children with uveitis, those with anterior uveitis (JIA-U and uveitis only) had less ocular complications, better EYE-Q scores, and worse C-HAQ and PedsQL physical summary scores compared to those with nonanterior disease. In children with anterior uveitis, those with JIA-U had worse PedsQL physical summary and C-HAQ scores than anterior uveitis only. Further, EYE-Q scores were worse in children with bilateral uveitis and more visual impairment. There were no differences in RCADS scores among groups. We provide a comprehensive outcome assessment of children with JIA, JIA-U, and other uveitis diagnoses. Differences in QoL and function were noted based on underlying disease. Our results support the addition of a vision-specific measure to better understand the impact of uveitis.

Autologous simple conjunctival epithelial transplantation for primary pterygium

To evaluate the feasibility of a new method of conjunctival transplantation to achieve recovery of the normal conjunctival epithelium over the bare sclera after pterygium excision and prevent its recurrence. After excision of the primary pterygium, we performed simple conjunctival epithelial transplantation (SCET) in which we glued an amniotic membrane patch pre-loaded with tiny autologous conjunctival tissue fragments over the scleral defect. Slit-lamp evaluation was performed at 2 and 7-10days, and then at 1, 3, 6, and 12months after surgery, together with confocal microscopy at 3, 6, and 12months. Surgical excision and SCET for nasal primary pterygium were performed in 6 eyes (6 patients). No graft detachment occurred. An inflammatory granuloma was excised without sequelae in one patient 2months after surgery. No signs of recurrence or sight-threatening complications were recorded at 12months, and in vivo confocal microscopy showed progressive expansion of the conjunctival cell population and formation of a clear corneal-conjunctival transition. SCET takes advantage of the ability of the amniotic membrane and conjunctival cells to renew. Outcomes after SCET are comparable to conventional conjunctival flap surgery and can be achieved in less surgical time and with less donor tissue to be removed.

POS1322 DISCONTINUATION OF LONG-TERM ADALIMUMAB TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS-ASSOCIATED UVEITIS

BackgroundUveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation of JIA which may lead to sight-threatening ocular complications. Topical corticosteroids are still used in the initial treatment for JIA-associated uveitis. The goal of treatment in these patients should be topical corticosteroid-free remission and prevention of recurrences. The most commonly used corticosteroid-sparing immunomodulatory are TNF-α inhibitors (TNFi), especially adalimumab.Currently, limited data are available about when or how to stop adalimumab when remission of JIA-associated uveitis is presumed.ObjectivesTo evaluate rates of relapse after discontinuation adalimumab in patients with JIA-associated uveitis.MethodsMedical records of 33 patients with JIA-associated uveitis who were successfully treated with adalimumab to a state of topical corticosteroid-free remission and discontinued adalimumab due to a long-term remission were analyzed retrospectively.Remission of uveitis was defined as &lt;1+ cells in the anterior chamber and &lt;1 + vitreous haze grading; relapse was defined as ≥1 cell in the anterior chamber or ≥1 vitreous haze grading [1].ResultsCorticosteroid-sparing control of inflammation was achieved in all patients. Adalimumab was discontinued after 50 (range 12–120) months after initiation of adalimumab. Duration of remission prior to discontinuing adalimumab was 42 (range 6 – 114) months. The mean duration of remission after adalimumab discontinuation was 14 (range 1–59) months. 13 (40%) of patients had flares after less than 12 months after discontinuing adalimumab, 5 (15%) had flares after 12 – 24 months, 15 (45%) had not flared due to 24 months after discontinuation adalimumab and had had a long-term non-biological remission. Disease was successfully controlled in 11(33%) patients with non-biological DMARDs, 22 (66%) patients restarted biological therapy after flares, due to lack of improvement after non-biological DMARDs. All patients in whom biological therapy was reinitiated responded satisfactorily. None of the flared patients didn’t require restarting corticosteroids.ConclusionCorticosteroid-sparing control of inflammation was achieved in all patients. Data from our experience with adalimumab in patients with JIA-associated uveitis suggest that 45 % of patients can be successfully withdrawn from biologics for at least 24 months without disease recurrence.

Simultaneous bilateral inflammatory choroidal neovascularization in a case of healed serpiginous-like choroiditis.

Objective: Inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (i-CNV) is an infrequent but sight-threatening complication of posterior uveitis. Although it can occur in a wide range of infectious and non-infectious uveitides, presence of simultaneous bilateral i-CNV is rare. In this report, we present a unique case of bilateral simultaneous i-CNV in a young patient of healed tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis.Method: A 20-year-old male presented with recent worsening of vision in the right eye for one month. Fundus examination revealed bilateral multifocal healed choroiditis lesions with right eye tiny subfoveal hemorrhage raising the suspicion of an underlying choroidal neovascularization. Fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography confirmed presence of choroidal neovascular membrane in both eyes.Result:Resolution of activity was noted in both eyes after bilateral sequential intravitreal bevacizumab injections.Conclusion:Inflammatory choroidal neovascularization may be seen in patients with healed tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis, after a long period of quiescence. Simultaneous bilateral presentation is rare but possible, requiring mandatory multimodal imaging of both eyes under high index of suspicion. Early institution of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor may salvage optimum vision in such a scenario.