Prospective analysis of photokeratoscopy for arcuate keratotomy to reduce postkeratoplasty astigmatism

Seven eyes of seven patients with visually disabling postkeratoplasty astigmatism underwent arcuate keratotomy to reduce astigmatism. Keratotomy length was prospectively determined by comparing the corneal shape change needed by each patient with shape changes in cadaver eyes induced by arcuate keratotomy. Keratograph ring ovality quantified corneal shape change. Keratotomies were placed in the wound interface using a diamond knife with blade length set to 100% of corneal thickness. Prekeratotomy keratometric astigmatism was 9.27 +/- 2.14 D (mean +/- SD), and at 2.0 to 18.4 months after keratotomy, astigmatism was 2.75 +/- 2.25 D (mean +/- SD). All corneas had decreased keratometric astigmatism and less oval keratoscope rings. Five corneas had 3.00 D or less residual keratometric astigmatism. Change in ring ovality was significantly correlated with keratotomy length and keratometric astigmatism change. The utility of keratoscope ring ovality as a corneal topography metric was demonstrated by systematically investigating the response to arcuate keratotomy.     

The administration of preparations into the vorticose vein in the combined therapy of severe forms of uveitis

The paper describes positive results after treatment of 15 patients with severe forms of uveitis by means of administering preparations into the portal vein of the eye. The method was substantiated by a series of experimental investigations. The treatment of patients with uveitis was prescribed when common therapy within a week and in some cases--a month after beginning of treatment proved to be ineffective. In 8 eyes with endogenous uveitis visual acuity rose from 0.06 +/- 0.4 at admission to 0.28 +/- 0.7 at discharge. In 4 patients with supposed enucleation of the eye the proposed method allowed to stop the inflammatory process. This method permitted to shorten the term of the patients stay at the hospital by 6.8 days. No complications during the treatment of recurrences in remote period were recorded.     

EDTA Registry centre survey, 1986. Report from the European Dialysis and Transplant Association Registry

This paper summarises the information given on the 1986 EDTA Registry centre questionnaire which was returned by 82% of the 2,065 known dialysis and transplant centres in 33 European countries. Information is given on the number of patients alive on haemodialysis according to the type of dialysis facilities available where the patient was receiving dialysis and the number of patients receiving special types of dialysis. The centre questionnaire also included questions on testing for HIV infection, serological evidence or symptoms of AIDS and the diagnosis of hepatitis B in patients and staff. The data given in response to these questions are presented together with data on the involvement of dietitians and social workers in the treatment of patients with end stage renal failure. Finally, information on transplant activity in Europe and the treatment policies of transplanting centres is provided.