Using topical NSAIDs may reduce the risk of developing macular oedema after cataract surgery, although it is possible that current estimates as to the size of this reduction are exaggerated. It is unclear the extent to which this reduction has an impact on the visual function and quality of life of patients. There is little evidence to suggest any important effect on vision after surgery. The value of adding topical NSAIDs to steroids, or using them as an alternative to topical steroids, with a view to reducing the risk of poor visual outcome after cataract surgery is therefore uncertain. Future trials should address the remaining clinical uncertainty of whether prophylactic topical NSAIDs are of benefit, particularly with respect to longer-term follow-up (at least to 12 months), and should be large enough to detect reduction in the risk of the outcome of most interest to patients, which is chronic macular oedema leading to visual loss.

Fish allergy is common in countries where consumption is high. Asian nations are amongst the world's largest consumers of fish but the allergen profiles of tropical fish are unknown. This study sought to evaluate the allergenicity of four commonly consumed tropical fish, the threadfin (Polynemus indicus), Indian anchovy (Stolephorus indicus), pomfret (Pampus chinensis) and tengirri (Scomberomorus guttatus). Immunoglobulin E (IgE) cross-reactivity with parvalbumin of cod fish (Gad c 1), the major fish allergen, was also studied. Detection of tropical fish and cod specific-IgE was performed by UniCap assay, and skin prick tests were also carried out. The IgE-binding components of tropical fish were identified using IgE immunoblot techniques, and cross-reactivity with Gad c 1 was assessed by ELISA inhibition and IgE immunoblot inhibition. Clinically, nine of 10 patients studied were allergic to multiple fish. All patients exhibited detectable specific-IgE to cod fish (10 of 10 skin prick test positive, eight of 10 UniCap assay positive) despite lack of previous exposure. The major allergen of the four tropical fish was the 12-kDa parvalbumin. IgE cross-reactivity of these allergens to Gad c 1 was observed to be moderate to high in the tropical fish studied. Parvalbumins are the major allergens in commonly consumed tropical fish. They are cross-reactive with each other as well as with Gad c 1. Commercial tests for cod fish appear to be sufficient for the detection of tropical fish specific-IgE.

No abstract

This study surveyed the prescription patterns of adrenaline auto-injectors (AAs) in Singapore to examine the frequency, triggers, and demographic pattern of anaphylaxis requiring such prescriptions. A 6-year retrospective review of 417 consecutive patients prescribed AAs in Singapore from January 1999 to December 2004, as identified from hospital pharmacy records. There were 417 patients identified, consisting of 295 (70.7%) Singaporeans with the remaining being non-Singaporean residents. Based on population census, the frequency of AA prescriptions was estimated at 1 per 10,000 Singaporeans. Demographic factors associated with AA prescriptions were male gender (OR = 1.361; p = 0.002); minority ethnic groups, which included Eurasians, Caucasians, Koreans, and Japanese (OR = 15.873; p < 0.001); and children <15 years of age (OR = 2.593; p < 0.001). The most common food allergens resulting in AA prescriptions were peanut (41.9%) and shellfish allergy (28.5%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that peanut allergy was independently associated with Eurasian ethnicity (OR = 5.045; p = 0.021); and shellfish allergy with Indian ethnicity (OR = 2.757; p = 0.034). The estimated frequency of AA prescriptions in Singapore is relatively low at 0.01%. The incidence of peanut and shellfish allergy in the Asian population appears to differ from that seen in Western populations.

How to cite this article: Aquino MC, Lim D, Chew PTK. Micropulse P3™(MP3) Laser for Glaucoma: An Innovative Therapy. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2018;12(2):51-52.

In primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), micropulse transscleral cyclophototherapy (MPTCP) is effective in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), but its effects are not permanent. Hence, it can serve as a temporizing measure before definitive glaucoma surgery.Purpose: There is limited data on MPTCP in POAG. This is the first study that looks at MPTCP treatment specifically in POAG patients.Patients and Methods: This is an interventional, single-institution exploratory case series with 55 eyes of 48 patients with POAG. Data was collected from clinical records, including patient demographics, clinical information, number of glaucoma medications, MPTCP laser settings, complications, and clinical outcomes.Results: Patients had a mean age of 67.3 ± 14.1 years with a preponderance of males. IOP was 24.8 ± 1.0 mm Hg before MPTCP and decreased to 19.7 ± 1.1, 21.9 ± 1.1, and 21.8 ± 1.1 mm Hg at postoperative month 3, 6, and 12 respectively. IOP remained below pretreatment levels throughout the postoperative period (P < 0.05). Visual acuity and mean deviation remained stable before and after MPTCP. No eyes had complications. Number of glaucoma medications remained the same after MPTCP. Four eyes required additional oral acetazolamide at postoperative month 1 for IOP control. Seventeen eyes subsequently required further surgical intervention after 9.84 months. Maximal IOP decrease was greater when there were higher power settings, higher preoperative IOP, and better preoperative visual acuity. Conclusions and Relevance:The IOP lowering effect of MPTCP treatment in patients with POAG was found to be modest and transient with a similar medication burden, and definitive glaucoma surgery was needed in a number of patients.

Spina bifida children have a high prevalence of latex allergy in studies reported from Europe and the USA. This study investigated the prevalence of latex allergy in a cohort of 24 spina bifida children at the Red Cross Children's Hospital from Cape Town, South Africa. The children were investigated using a detailed questionnaire, skin prick tests (ALK-Abello), ImmunoCap RASTs, Western blotting and ELISA, using the purified latex proteins Hev b1 and Hev b3 and whole latex preparation. A low overall prevalence of latex sensitization of 16.7% was found in the children. Children who were sensitive reacted to water insoluble to Hev b1 and Hev b3 proteins. The low prevalence of latex sensitization in the South African children may not be entirely explained by stringent latex avoidance. The children were from a low socioeconomic social status and 'hygiene' and other factors should be considered.

No abstract