Intermediate-term outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in eyes with refractory glaucoma and coexistent cataract

International Ophthalmology - To investigate the efficacy and safety of non-valved Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) surgery combined with phacoemulsification in eyes with refractory glaucoma...     

A comparative study on endothelial cell loss in nanophthalmic eyes undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to compare the endothelial cell loss (ECL) in nanophthalmic eyes and age-matched controls undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification and also to identify the risk factors influencing the endothelial cell density (ECD). This was a prospective comparative interventional case series.Methods:We enrolled 19 nanophthalmic eyes (study group) and 42 age-matched cataract controls (control group) undergoing phacoemulsification after meeting the inclusion criteria. Ocular parameters like best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, pachymetry, specular microscopy, and slit lamp findings were noted preoperatively and at month 1 and 3 postsurgery. All nanophthalmic eyes underwent cataract surgery with concomitant prophylactic posterior sclerostomy.Results:The median percentage endothelial loss in nanophthalmic eyes was 4.0 (IQR 0–23.5), 7.4 (IQR 1.0–-22.4) at 1 and 3 months postoperatively compared to 6.3 (IQR 1.7–14.1) and 6.4 (IQR 2.6–-12.1) in age controlled normal eyes (P = 0.94, P = 0.46, respectively). Linear regression analysis showed increasing age as the only variable influencing the percentage decrease in corneal ECD in the study group (P = 0.001). Nanophthalmic eyes with ACD <2.5 mm had a significantly greater reduction in ECD at 3 months postcataract surgery compared to baseline (P = 0.039). Visual outcomes and IOP reduction in the study group with ACD >2.5 mm were significantly better postcataract surgery (P = 0.02 and P = 0.002, respectively).Conclusion:The percentage of ECL in nanophthalmic eyes undergoing phacoemulsification is equivalent to normal eyes. However, in the nanophthamic eyes with AC depth <2.5 mm, the percentage cell loss was significantly higher warranting the need for extensive intraoperative care. Increasing age was found to be the only significant risk factor influencing the ECD in short eyes.     

Group B streptococci colonization among Saudi women in labor and neonatal acquisition

Rates of high vaginal Group B Streptococcus colonization and the perinatal transmission were determined in 260 Saudi women admitted for delivery to the Obstetrical Unit of the King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar. Of these women, 24 mothers in labour had vaginal colonization (9.2%). Three neonates acquired Group B Streptococci soon after birth on more than one body site and the perinatal transmission rate was 12.5%. Implication of these findings are reviewed.     

Genetic and environmental factors associated with migraine in schoolchildren

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of migraine and headache in schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates and to determine the genetic and environmental factors associated with these conditions. METHODS: A cross-sectional population study was performed from October 1995 to June 1996. Subjects were selected by a multistage stratified sampling procedure. Data were collected by screening questionnaires followed by clinical interviews. Twelve primary schools and 1400 schoolchildren of United Arab Emirates nationality resident in the Al Ain City, Dubai, and Sharjah emirates were recruited for this study. A total of 1159 (82.7%) schoolchildren gave their consent to the study. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence rates for headache and migraine were 36.9% and 13.7%, respectively. The prevalence of headache is increased with age, the highest prevalence being in 13-year-old children (17.5%). Of the 159 children who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for migraine, 76 were boys whose mean age (+/- SD) was 10.3 years +/- 2. 8 years, and 83 were girls (mean age 9.9 +/- 2.5 years). Of the children who had migraine, 20 (12.6%) had migraine without aura, and 13 (8.2%) had migraine with aura. The most common migraine symptoms in schoolchildren had been aggravated by physical activity (47.2%) and a positive family history of migraine (46.5%). The most common illnesses were infectious illnesses (41.5%). There was a strong relationship between migraine and the timing of examinations (46.5%). The most common environmental exposure for migraine was found to be playing on a computer (45.9%), followed by loud noise (41.5%), and a hot climate (37.1%). In familial occurrence of headache among immediate relatives, the most frequently affected relative was the mother (17.6%). CONCLUSION:.-Headache and migraine are common in childhood and may be influenced by social, familial, environmental, and psychological factors.     

A hotspot mutation in transcription factor IKZF3 drives B cell neoplasia via transcriptional dysregulation

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Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among low socio-economic workers

Epidemiological studies have shown that the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a community and occupational health are closely related to lifestyle and socio-economic status. There is little information on H. pylori profile in industrial workers in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence rate of H. pylori profiles among low socio-economic workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study was undertaken by determining IgG H. pylori antibody profiles among industrial exposed and referent workers, sera. Presence of anti-H. pylori antibodies in the frozen stored sera was determined by ELISA. Also, data on dietary and lifestyle were obtained. The result was considered positive if IgG anti-H. pylori antibody titers was > 300. People with seropositive levels of IgG antibodies to H. pylori were assumed to be infected with H. pylori. Most of the industrial workers lived in less modern accommodation, were less educated, ate their vegetable products unwashed and did not have drinking water facilities, when compared to referents. H. pylori serology by IgG was positive in 167 industrial workers (78.4%) and 137 in referent workers (64.3%) respectively, (p < 0.002). The sensitivity and specificity of the IgG serology assay were 94.5%, and 97.2% respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the exposed industrial and non-exposed control groups in respect of their H. pylori profiles.     

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG and IgM antibodies in blood donors in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates indicates a potential risk to recipients

The results of a prospective cross-sectional study on the anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM specific antibody profile among blood donors in Al Ain United Arab Emirates are presented. The overall infection rate was 34%. Based on IgM specific antibody positive rate, acute toxoplasmosis was evident among 3% of the blood donors studied. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Eradication of Cryptosporidium in four children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Four children on chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with severe diarrhea and dehydration. Cryptosporidium was identified in the stools using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Two of them received paromomycin and responded well. One was started on paromomycin for 10 days and although there was clinical improvement, his stools examination continued to be positive for Cryptosporidium. He then received azithromycin for 10 days. He responded well and his stools became negative for Cryptosporidium. The fourth patient received azithromycin from the start and responded well. Cryptosporidium should be considered in all immunocompromised children with severe or prolonged diarrhea, and since it is not seen in a routine ova and parasite examination, the laboratory should be notified for diagnostic confirmation using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Immunocompromised children with Cryptosporidium diarrhea may benefit from paromomycin or azithromycin therapy.