Clinical outcomes of a new diffractive multifocal intraocular lens

AIM: To evaluate clinical outcomes after implantation of a new diffractive aspheric multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with +3.00 addition power. METHODS: This is a retrospective, consecutive case series of cataract patients who underwent bilateral implantation of the Optiflex MO/HF D012 (Moss Vision Inc. Ltd, London, UK) multifocal IOL. Patients followed for 6mo were included in the study. Data on distance, intermediate and near visual acuity, refractive error [manifest spherical equivalent (MSE)], contrast sensitivity, adverse events, subjective symptoms, spectacle independence and patient satisfaction [visual function questionnaire (VFQ)-25 questionnaire] were retrieved from electronic medical records and analyzed. RESULTS: Forty eyes of 20 patients with a mean age of 66.7±8.5y (range: 53-82) were included in the study. Mean uncorrected distance, near and intermediate visual acuity remained stable through postoperative visits and was 0.19±0.19 logMAR, Jaeger 4 and Jaeger 3 respectively at the 6mo visit. At the end of postoperative 6mo, MSE was -0.14±0.42 diopters (D) and 98% of the eyes were within 1.00 D of target refraction. Postoperative low contrast (10%) visual acuity remained stable (P=0.54) through follow up visits with a mean of 0.35±0.17 logMAR at the 6mo visit. There were no reported adverse events. None of the patients reported subjective symptoms of halo or glare. Spectacle independence rate was 90%. Mean VFQ-25 questionnaire score was 93.5±6.12. CONCLUSION: The Optiflex MO/HF-DO12 IOL was safely implanted and successfully restored distance, intermediate and near visual acuity without impairing contrast sensitivity. High levels of spectacle independence were achieved at all distances including intermediate distance.     

Multiple behavioral factors are associated with occurrence of large,flat colorectal polyps

Purpose

The prevalence of advanced dysplasia and synchronous lesions is particularly high in patients with large, flat colorectal polyps. However, the impact of lifestyle on the development of such polyps is poorly investigated. Hence, this study aims to identify associations between behavioral factors and the occurrence of large, flat colorectal polyps.

Methods

Behavioral factors were retrospectively analyzed in patients with large, flat polyps and control patients with at most one diminutive polyp. Information on lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and demographic parameters were determined by a structured, self-administered questionnaire.

Results

Questionnaires of 350 patients with large, flat polyps and 489 control patients were included in the analysis. Most large, flat colorectal polyps contained adenoma with low-grade neoplasia and were located in the right colon. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age (per 1-year increase—OR 1.09, CI 1.07–1.11, p < 0.0001), frequent cigarette smoking (OR 2.04, CI 1.25–3.32, p = 0.0041), daily consumption of red meat (OR 3.61, CI 1.00–12.96, p = 0.0492), and frequent bowel movements (OR 1.62, CI 1.13–2.33, p = 0.0093) were independent risk factors for occurrence of large, flat colorectal polyps. In contrast, frequent intake of cereals (OR 0.62, CI 0.44–0.88, p = 0.0074) was associated with a reduced risk.

Conclusion

Multiple behavioral factors modulate the risk for developing large, flat colorectal polyps. This knowledge can be used to improve prevention of colorectal cancer.

     

Cost of illness among patients with diabetic foot ulcer in Turkey

AIMTo evaluate the annual cost of patients with Wagner grade 3-4-5 diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) from the public payer’s perspective in Turkey.METHODSThis study was conducted focused on a time frame of one year from the public payer’s perspective. Cost-of-illness (COI) methodology, which was developed by the World Health Organization, was used in the generation of cost data. By following a clinical path with the COI method, the main total expenses were reached by multiplying the number of uses of each expense item, the percentage of cases that used them and unit costs. Clinical guidelines and real data specific to Turkey were used in the calculation of the direct costs. Monte Carlo Simulation was used in the study as a sensitivity analysis.RESULTSThe following were calculated in DFU treatment from the public payer’s perspective: The annual average per patient outpatient costs $579.5 (4.1%), imaging test costs $283.2 (2.0%), laboratory test costs $284.8 (2.0%), annual average per patient cost of intervention, rehabilitation and trainings $2291.7 (16.0%), annual average per patient cost of drugs used $2545.8 (17.8%) and annual average per patient cost of medical materials used in DFU treatment $735.0 (5.1%). The average annual per patient cost for hospital admission is $7357.4 (51.5%). The average per patient complication cost for DFU is $210.3 (1.5%). The average annual per patient cost of DFU treatment in Turkey is $14287.70. As a result of the sensitivity analysis, the standard deviation of the analysis was $5706.60 (n = 5000, mean = $14146.8, 95%CI: $13988.6-$14304.9).CONCLUSIONThe health expenses per person are $-PPP 1045 in 2014 in Turkey and the average annual per patient cost for DFU is 14-fold of said amount. The total health expense in 2014 in Turkey is $-PPP 80.3 billion and the total DFU cost has a 3% share in the total annual health expenses for Turkey. Hospital costs are the highest component in DFU disease costs. In order to prevent DFU, training of the patients at risk and raising consciousness in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) will provide benefits in terms of economy. Appropriate and efficient treatment of DM is a health intervention that can prevent complications.     

Prognostic relevance of coronary collateral circulation: clinical and epidemiological implications

Coronary collateral circulation provides an important response to ischemic heart disease and partially determines the severity of ischemic myocardial damage. Practical significance of coronary collateral circulation has long been a matter of uncertainty due to concerns about the means for gauging coronary collateral circulation and the modest populations to be representative for all patients with ischemic heart disease. It is possible that prognosis may be defined by the balance between the harm of atherosclerotic burden, and the benefit from coronary collateral circulation. Atherosclerosis acts as a potent trigger for the formation of coronary collateral circulation, but at the same time it has deleterious effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Coronary collateral circulation has a complex role in modifying the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in ischemic heart disease. A more comprehensive insight into the exact determinants of coronary collateral circulation would help establish its potential implications in clinical and epidemiological realm.     

Diagnostic value of plasma fibronectin level in predicting the presence and severity of coronary artery disease

The relation between fibronectin and coronary artery disease (CAD) according to previous study results is controversial. The aim of the present study is to investigate the predictive value of fibronectin in determining the presence and severity of CAD. Patients with stable angina (n = 62) who had angiographically documented CAD, and control patients (n = 31) who had normal coronary angiograms, were included in the study. Plasma fibronectin levels were determined in all patients. Plasma fibronectin level (milligrams per liter) in patients with CAD was higher than normal controls (364.2 ± 171 vs 265.1 ± 135.5, p = 0.006). The severity of CAD determined according to Gensini score and fibronectin level did not show any correlation (r = 0.13, p = 0.311). If fibronectin level 240 mg/l was determined as cutoff, it showed 76% sensitivity, 46% specificity, 46% negative predictive value, and 72.3% positive predictive value for predicting CAD. The present study showed that plasma fibronectin level in CAD is significantly higher than normal control subjects. However, it has no role in predicting the severity of CAD.     

ALPORT SYNDROME: SIGNIFICANCE OF GINGIVAL BIOPSY IN THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS AND PERIODONTAL EVALUATION AFTER RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Alport Syndrome (AS) is an important hereditary disorder affecting the glomerular basement membrane. Diagnosis of AS is based on the presence of hematuric nephropathy, renal failure, hearing loss, ocular abnormalities and changes in the glomerular basement membrane of the lamina densa. The aims of this case report were to show the changes in the gingival tissues in a patient with AS under therapy with cyclosporin-A after renal transplantation and to discuss the possible role of type IV collagen in gingival basal lamina as an alternative approach for the diagnosis of AS. A 20-year-old male patient with AS underwent periodontal therapy including a series of gingivectomy surgeries. Gingival samples obtained during the second surgery were examined histopathologically and by transmission electron microscopy for further pathological examination. Gingivectomy procedures have been performed every 6 months over the last 4 years. The excessive and fibrous gingival enlargements resulted in migration of the anterior teeth, but no alveolar bone loss occurred. This is the first report to demonstrate the possible changes in the gingival tissues caused by AS. It is suggested that gingival biopsy can be an initial diagnostic tool instead of renal or skin biopsies. Proper dental and periodontal care and regular visits to the dentist could provide limited gingival hyperplasia to patients with AS.     

The connections among suicidal behavior,lipid profile and low-grade inflammation in patients with major depressive disorder: a specific relationship with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio

Objectives: The role of inflammation and lipid metabolism in the pathophysiology of suicidal behavior has received particular attention in recent years. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been suggested as a new and more reliable indicator of low-grade inflammation. NLR has been found to be altered in major depressive disorder (MDD) and has been related to various factors, including chronic stress and impulsivity that were previously reported to be related to suicidal behavior. We aimed to explore the roles of NLR, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum lipid levels on suicidal behavior in patients with MDD.

Methods: The study group consisted of 139 inpatients diagnosed with MDD [37 suicide attempters (SA); 102 suicide non-attempters (NSA)], 50 healthy controls and matched according to age, gender and education. NLR, PLR, CRP and lipid values were obtained from digital inpatient records.

Results: CRP levels and NLR were substantially higher in patients with SA than in subjects with NSA and healthy comparison subjects after adjusting the confounding factors. The logistic regression included two predictive variables for suicide status in patients with depressive disorder (A) previous suicidal history; (B) NLR.

Conclusions: This is the first study suggesting that NLR may be a trait marker for suicidal vulnerability via a relationship between NLR and a recent suicide attempt in depressed inpatients. Future prospective studies are needed to determine the exact roles of NLR, and other inflammatory markers on suicidality in MDD.