Use of trypan blue dye during conversion of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty to penetrating keratoplasty

We describe a technique that uses trypan blue dye to identify residual recipient corneal stroma and Descemet membrane (DM) during conversion of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) to penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). After the host cornea is dissected, trypan blue dye (0.06%) is used to highlight the remaining host corneal stroma and DM, if any. In 8 DALK procedures that had to be converted to PKP because of DM perforation, trypan blue staining identified remnants of DM and parts of the posterior corneal stroma in 7 eyes. Improved visualization of the residual host tissue enabled complete excision and an overall optimal recipient wound profile.     

Postictal psychosis in a child

Postictal psychosis is a state of psychosis following repeated or prolonged complex partial seizures with or without secondary generalization and is well described in adult epilepsy literature. It is sparsely reported in the pediatric literature. This report describes a 12-year-old male presenting with status epilepticus who developed psychotic symptoms. Diagnosis of postictal psychosis was made after correlating clinical symptoms with video-electroencephalographic monitoring. The clinical course of this illness is profiled, and the literature reviewed.     

Clinical challenges in targeting anaplastic lymphoma kinase in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

The revolution in individualized therapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has seen the emergence of a number of molecularly targeted therapies for distinct patient molecular subgroups. Activating anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-gene rearrangement has been detected in 3–7 % of NSCLC cases, and the ALK inhibitor crizotinib is now an approved treatment for patients with tumors harboring this event. However, resistance to ALK-targeted therapies is a ubiquitous problem in the management of advanced ALK-positive NSCLC and can be mediated by secondary kinase mutations or the activation of compensatory alternative oncogenic drivers. New, more potent ALK inhibitors such as ceritinib (LDK378), alectinib (CH5424802), and AP26113 are now emerging, together with an increased knowledge of the molecular basis of resistance. There is a need to evaluate the optimal clinical application of these new agents, either as sequential therapies or in combination with other targeted agents, to combat resistance and prolong survival in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. The remarkable clinical activity of ALK inhibitors also emphasizes the importance of optimal diagnostic testing algorithms, to ensure that all eligible patients receive these breakthrough therapies.     

Assessment of perceived difficulties by residents in performing routine steps in phacoemulsification surgery and in managing complications

Objective: To analyze the perceived difficulties of residents in performing the routine steps of phacoemulsification surgery and in managing complications.Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.Participants: Thirty-six residents performing phacoemulsification during their learning curve.Methods: On an 8-point Likert scale, residents noted comfort levels with various steps of cataract surgery and with managing complications.Results: The respondents were grouped into Group 1 (second-year residents, n = 19) and Group 2 (third-year residents, n = 17). Residents in Group 2 had greater surgical experience than residents in Group 1 (p = 0.001). The most difficult step in cases of phacoemulsification for Group 1 was loading a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) (mean score 6.05, SD 1.57), and for Group 2 it was nuclear emulsification (mean score 3.59, SD 1.42). Both second- and third-year residents found capsular bag dialysis the most difficult complication (mean scores 6.0 [SD 1.9] and 5.75 [SD 2.14], respectively). The second-year residents had significantly more difficulty with errant capsulorrhexis, anterior chamber IOL placement, and repeated iris prolapse as compared with third-year residents. Group 2 residents reported that mature, senile cataracts were the most difficult cases for them to manage (mean score 6.23, SD 1.56).Conclusions: This study identifies perceived difficulties that residents experience in routine cases of cataract surgery, highlighting specific areas in which they may benefit from additional training and practice.     

Factors Related to Successful Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects Using the Amplatzer Septal Occluder

The Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) is used for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs). This study aimed to determine the factors influencing successful closure with the ASO. A retrospective analysis of 69 patients who underwent transcatheter ASD occlusion between 2003 and 2007 was performed. The ASO was successfully implanted during 67 (97%) of 69 procedures. A major adverse event occurred for 6 patients (9%), and 13 patients (19%) experienced a minor adverse event. The outcome for 53 cases (77%) was a composite clinical success. Patient age (p = 0.191) and consultant experience (p = 0.270) were not important factors in successful ASD occlusion. However, patient weight (p = 0.031), diameter of the defect (p = 0.030), device size (p = 0.044), aortic rim size (p = 0.002), and device/defect ratio (p < 0.001) all were significant factors. Complications were significantly more likely for patients whose device/defect ratio was <1.125 (loose) or ≥1.333 (tight) (p < 0.001). The device/defect ratio may provide a clinically useful tool with the potential to predict patients likely to experience an adverse event as a result of transcatheter ASD occlusion. A larger sample would enable refinement of the device/defect ratio and provide a more robust prediction of success.