Purpose To assess whether corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can detect alterations in corneal nerve morphology in patients with Parkinson disease. Methods Twenty‐five patients with Parkinson disease and 25 control subjects were examined. Patients underwent neurological and complete ophthalmological evaluation. Corneal sensitivity testing was performed with a Cochet‐Bonnet esthesiometer and corneal sub‐basal nerve morphology assessment with confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II/Rostock Cornea Module). CCM was used to quantify corneal nerve fibre density, tortuosity, length and branch density. Results Patients with Parkinson disease had decreased corneal sensation in comparison with controls. Corneal nerve fiber morphology differed in both groups, with a lower global fiber density, branch density and higher tortuosity in Parksinson patients (p<0,05). These parameters were found to be related to dopaminergic medication exposure. Conclusion We found a decreased corneal sensation and corneal nerve fiber changes in patients with Parkinson disease. CCM may be used to detect signs of peripheral neuropathy and follow patients in dopaminergic therapy.
Processionary recrudescence has been observed, both in rural and urban areas. It is therefore imperative to be familiar with eye injuries caused by the insect and its treatment.
Purpose To analyse corneal nerve morphology alterations in patients with chronic renal failure by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Methods A prospective study was conducted in 30 patients (30 eyes) with pre‐dialysis chronic renal failure (CRF) and 30 aged‐matched healthy volunteers (30 eyes). A complete ophthalmologic examination, esthesiometry (Cochet‐Bonnet esthesiometer), in vivo CCM (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II/Rostock Cornea Module) and neurological evaluation were performed. Results Corneal sensation was reduced in pre‐dialysis CRF patients compared with control subjects. Nerve fiber density, length and branch density were reduced and tortuosity was increased in the CRF group (p<0,05). These parameters were related with severity of neuropathy. Conclusion In vivo CCM may be a valuable method for diagnosis of uremic neuropathy and may be used to grade its severity.
Purpose To determine the reproducibility of keratometric parameters obtained by OCULUS® Pentacam® HR in the evaluation of keratoconus progression. Methods Thirty nine eyes of 25 patients from the Cornea Department of the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central were included in the study. Fourteen eyes presented with clinical and topographic diagnosis of keratoconus (stage 1‐3) and were defined as the “keratoconus without ring” group; 9 eyes had already an intrastromal ring implanted and were defined as the “keratoconus with ring”; the remaining 16 eyes, without clinical or topographic evidence of disease, were used as controls. Every eye was submitted to identical methodology: 5 consecutive keratometric measurements obtained with OCULUS® Pentacam® HR; central keratometry, SKmax, minimal pachymetry and anterior chamber depth were used to determine the existence of statistically significant reproducibility. Results Overall significant measurement variability was obtained in the “keratoconus without ring” group (Km 0.129 D vs 0.0375 D, SKmax 0.507 D vs 0.0625 D, Minpach 5.429 μm vs 2.5625 μm, ACD 0.024 mm vs 0.0194 mm), with highest variability in the subgroup of patients with more advanced disease. In the “keratoconus with ring” group statistically significant variability was found for all parameters except for anterior chamber depth (Km 0.289 D vs 0.0375 D, SKmax 0.444 D vs 0.0625 D, Minpach 4.333 μm vs 2.5625 μm, ACD 0.024 mm vs 0.0194 mm). Conclusion Keratometric measurements obtained with OCULUS® Pentacam® HR should be assessed cautiously in the evaluation of keratoconus progression, with or without intrastromal ring; the use of single measurements is unadvised.
Purpose To evaluate the clinical presentation, microbiological results and treatment used in cases of infectious keratitis diagnosed in Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central (CHLC) between July 2009 and July 2013 Methods Retrospective analysis of data from patients who underwent microbiological examination for suspected infectious keratitis between July 2009 and July 2013 in the CHLC (n=86 patients) Results The most prevalent risk factor was the use of contact lenses. Of the 93 samples taken, 59 (63.4%) were positive for at least one pathogen. A total of 64 microorganisms were isolated with 35 (54.8%) being Gram‐negative, 25 (41.9%) Gram‐positive and 2 (3.2%) fungi. The most prevalent pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In two patients, Acanthamoeba cysts were isolated by confocal microscopy. Hospitalization was needed in 64.0% of cases. The treatment of choice was the use of fortified eyedrops of vancomycin and ceftazidime. In seven patients surgical therapy was needed for infection control. Conclusion Our work draws attention to the morbidity associated with this disease and reinforces the importance of conducting microbiological studies in these patients. The main predisposing factor in our population was the use of contact lens, with Gram‐negative microorganisms being isolated in the majority of cases.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.