Oculo-oscillodynamography findings in glaucoma without hypertension

Oculo-oscillodynamography after Ulrich was performed in 27 patients suffering from glaucoma without hypertension (so-called low-tension glaucoma). Patients who had severe systemic disease or were receiving systemic medication which might influence IOP, and patients with narrow angle and an IOP higher than 22 mm Hg were excluded. In 85% of the patients a severe decrease in systolic ciliary perfusion pressure was found, whereas the systolic retinal and diastolic ocular perfusion pressures were significantly lower in almost 30% of the cases. Glaucoma without hypertension appears to be caused by the vascular change at the disk.     

Evaluation of the neuronal and microvascular components of the macula in patients with diabetic retinopathy

Documenta Ophthalmologica - To investigate whether abnormal retinal microcirculation correlates with retinal neuronal changes in untreated diabetic eyes without macular edema. This study enrolled...     

Can postgraduate courses in Maternal-Fetal Medicine change clinical attitude?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of structured didactic lectures by leaders in the field of Maternal-Fetal Medicine on reported clinical decision-making. METHODS: An interactive survey of obstetric management was performed as part of a postgraduate course at the 2004 Annual Meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Seven controversial topics were addressed, including tocolytic therapy, progesterone supplementation for the prevention of preterm birth, screening for inherited thrombophilia, cervical cerclage for a shortened cervix, the management of preterm premature rupture of membranes, magnesium sulfate seizure prophylaxis, and dexamethasone therapy for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. The survey was carried out before and after a series of structured didactic lectures, thereby allowing for analysis of the effect of the lectures on reported clinical decision-making. RESULTS: A total of 298 obstetric care providers attended the postgraduate course. By report, the majority of attendees were Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists (60.7%), less than 10 years out from specialty training (56.3%), and practicing in a university-based setting (52.9%). An average of 233 practitioners (range 157-298) answered each question. Comparison of responses to the survey given before and after the lectures demonstrated significant differences, especially in the areas of tocolytic therapy and inherited thrombophilias. CONCLUSIONS: Postgraduate lectures by leaders in the field of Maternal-Fetal Medicine have significant immediate impact on reported clinical decision-making.     

Effectiveness and tolerance of an active combination of timolol and pilocarpine--a pilot project

A pilot study was conducted to find out whether it is possible to achieve a further drop in intraocular pressure in eyes with glaucoma, which is about 22 mmHg after treatment with 0.5% timolol, by employing a combination preparation of timolol 0.5% and pilocarpine 2% or timolol 0.5% and pilocarpine 4% respectively, administered as eyedrops. This resulted in an average additional lowering of 1.9 mmHg after 2 hrs and by 2.1 mmHg after 6 hours (TP2) or by 3.0 mmHg after 2 and 3.5 mmHg after 6 and by 2.7 mmHg after 12 hours (TP4), the therapeutically relevant duration of effectivity being 6 (TP2) or 12 (TP4) hours, respectively.     

Vascular effect and intraocular pressure-reducing effect of beta blockers

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of a vasodilating beta receptor blocking substance on IOP in eyes with open-angle glaucoma. The study proceeded from the hypothesis that throttling of the production of aqueous humor by beta blockers and reduction of intraocular pressure is caused by vasoconstriction of the afferent vessels. The authors found that the degree of reduction of intraocular pressure corresponded to the effect of beta blockers routinely applied in glaucoma therapy. However, the duration of the effect was shorter. The above-mentioned hypothesis would thus seem to be disproved.     

Superior Cluneal Nerve Entrapment Eight Years after Decubitus Surgery

Background and Objective: Superior cluneal nerve (SCN) entrapment is one of the infrequent etiologies of low back pain (LBP), which is rarely diagnosed. Few clinical reports have been published in the literature. We present a case of severe LBP radiating to the ipsilateral buttock after decubitus surgery. Case Report: A 62‐year‐old man weighing 85 kg presented to the algology department, suffering from severe LBP of 6 months duration. The pain was in the right iliac crest region with radiation to the ipsilateral buttock. After admission, his history was taken, physical examination was performed, and further evaluations were made. He was suspected of having facet and right sacroiliac joint pain. Two tender points were found 6.5 and 7.5 cm to the right of the midline over the iliac crest. Local anesthetic with corticosteroid was injected at the tender points over the right iliac crest. Five minutes after the injection, the pain dissipated. Conclusion: SCN entrapment should be considered in patients who suffer from LBP radiating to the iliac crest and buttock after other causes of LBP have been excluded.     

COVID-19 ARDS in two patients with left ventricular assist device

Journal of Artificial Organs - Coronavirus disease 2019 affected millions of people and caused pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and increased mortality worldwide. Data from...