PONF has a better prognosis than disease elsewhere in the body, but is still associated with significant risk of visual loss and a small risk of death. Intravenous antibiotic treatment with cautious observation may be reasonable in selected patients with a low threshold for debridement.
Some individuals with keratoconus are at high risk of developing acute corneal hydrops. These patients could be managed more aggressively to reduce their risk of developing this complication of their disease.
Incidence of IFIS was significantly higher in tamsulosin and doxazosin patients. The presence of IFIS was associated with a significantly higher complication rate. We would advise that all patients receiving α1 antagonists (not only those receiving tamsulosin) should be identified preoperatively, receive appropriate modifications in preparation, and have alternative techniques and a senior surgeon available at the time of surgery.
Introduction Vismodegib (Erivedge, Genentech) is a first-in-class inhibitor of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway, which is licensed for use in locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and metastatic BCC. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence withdrew recommendation for use of vismodegib secondary to a lack of data comparing vismodegib to standard supportive care. The purpose of this multicentre, international case series is to report outcomes of patients with locally advanced periocular BCC who have been treated with vismodegib. Methods The medical records of all patients treated with vismodegib were retrospectively reviewed across seven institutions in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Results Thirteen patients were identified. Seven (54%) patients were male. All BCCs were ill-defined, with seven (58%) having orbital involvement at presentation. Median treatment time was 7 months (range 2-36 months). Eleven out of 13 patients developed side effects, the most common being fatigue in six patients (46%). Median follow-up was 24 months (range 12-48 months). Complete response was found in 5/13 patients (38%) and a partial response in 8/13 patients (62%). Six patients had further surgery after vismodegib, with three classed as globe-sparing operations. Three patients developed recurrence (23%). Three patients (23%) ultimately underwent exenteration. Discussion This study demonstrates vismodegib to be a well-tolerated treatment which may, in some cases, facilitate globesparing surgery and hence avoid disfiguring operations such as exenteration. Uncertainty does remain regarding the longterm outcomes of patients treated with vismodegib.
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