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Neri S, Mascolini MV, Peruffo A, Todros S, Zuin M, Cordaro L, Martines E, Contiero B, Carniel EL, Iacopetti I, Patruno M, Fontanella CG, Perazzi A. How does atmospheric pressure cold helium plasma affect the biomechanical behaviour on alkali-lesioned corneas? BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:153. [PMID: 38659026 PMCID: PMC11041036 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melting corneal ulcers are a serious condition that affects a great number of animals and people around the world and it is characterised by a progressive weakening of the tissue leading to possible severe ophthalmic complications, such as visual impairment or blindness. This disease is routinely treated with medical therapy and keratoplasty, and recently also with alternative regenerative therapies, such as cross-linking, amniotic membrane transplant, and laser. Plasma medicine is another recent example of regenerative treatment that showed promising results in reducing the microbial load of corneal tissue together with maintaining its cellular vitality. Since the effect of helium plasma application on corneal mechanical viscoelasticity has not yet been investigated, the aim of this study is first to evaluate it on ex vivo porcine corneas for different exposition times and then to compare the results with previous data on cross-linking treatment. RESULTS 94 ex vivo porcine corneas divided into 16 populations (healthy or injured, fresh or cultured and treated or not with plasma or cross-linking) were analysed. For each population, a biomechanical analysis was performed by uniaxial stress-relaxation tests, and a statistical analysis was carried out considering the characteristic mechanical parameters. In terms of equilibrium normalised stress, no statistically significant difference resulted when the healthy corneas were compared with lesioned plasma-treated ones, independently of treatment time, contrary to what was obtained about the cross-linking treated corneas which exhibited more intense relaxation phenomena. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the influence of the Helium plasma treatment was observed on the viscoelasticity of porcine corneas ex vivo, by restoring in lesioned tissue a degree of relaxation similar to the one of the native tissue, even after only 2 min of application. Therefore, the obtained results suggest that plasma treatment is a promising new regenerative ophthalmic therapy for melting corneal ulcers, laying the groundwork for further studies to correlate the mechanical findings with corneal histology and ultrastructural anatomy after plasma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Neri
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.
| | - Maria Vittoria Mascolini
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Peruffo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.
| | - Silvia Todros
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Zuin
- RFX (CNR, ENEA, INFN), Padova, Italy
- CNR, Institute for Plasma Science and Technology, Padova, Italy
| | - Luigi Cordaro
- RFX (CNR, ENEA, INFN), Padova, Italy
- CNR, Institute for Plasma Science and Technology, Padova, Italy
| | - Emilio Martines
- Department of Physics "G. Occhialini", University of Milano - Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Contiero
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Emanuele Luigi Carniel
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Iacopetti
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Patruno
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Giulia Fontanella
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Perazzi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Centre for Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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Naranjo A, Manche EE. A comprehensive review on corneal crosslinking. Taiwan J Ophthalmol 2024; 14:44-49. [PMID: 38654993 PMCID: PMC11034691 DOI: 10.4103/tjo.tjo-d-23-00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal crosslinking (CXL) represents a paradigm shift in the management of corneal ectatic disorders. Before CXL was introduced, patients would need specialty contact lenses and possible corneal transplantation. CXL involves a biochemical reaction in which ultraviolet A light is used in conjunction with Riboflavin to form crosslinks in between corneal stromal collagen. This leads to strengthening and stabilizing of the collagen lamellae, resulting in mechanical stiffening of the cornea. Multiple protocols have been proposed including epithelium on versus off and varying light intensity and duration of treatment. All protocols appear to be safe and effective with few reported complications including infection, stromal haze, scarring, and endothelial toxicity. Overall, CXL has demonstrated to halt the progression of the disease clinically and in keratometry readings and improve the quality of life for patients. It is a minimally invasive, cost-effective procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting with a fast recovery time and long-lasting results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Naranjo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Edward E. Manche
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Imposimato I, Mariella J, Freccero F, Gialletti R. Corneal Ulcers in Critically Ill Foals in Intensive Care: Case Series of Standard Treatment and Corneal Cross-Linking. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 130:104910. [PMID: 37625627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Riboflavin/UV-A corneal cross-linking (CXL) has been applied to treat corneal ulcers in adult horses, but its use in critically ill neonatal foals has not been described. Five cases of hospitalized, critically ill neonatal foals that were in intensive care with corneal ulcers, the ophthalmic treatment, and their outcome up to 1 year are described. A single treatment of CXL phototherapy was performed in three of five foals (five eyes). The application of a riboflavin ophthalmic solution for 20 minutes was followed by the UV-A light irradiation at 30 mW/cm2 for 3 minutes. Topical antibiotic administration was withdrawn after CXL. Two other foals received standard treatment. Descriptions of ocular lesions, fluorescein staining, and photographic documentation were recorded. The visual outcome, corneal transparency, and aesthetics, as well as healing time were evaluated in the follow-up. The frequency of topical medication considerably decreased in cases treated with CXL. Corneal opacity and pain decreased within 3 days following CXL. In the foals treated with CXL, the ulcers healed (fluorescein stain negative) in 24, 28, and 35 days after the onset of clinical signs and 10, 15, and 21, after CXL. No fibrosis or corneal scars were found in the cases treated with CXL. The two standard treatment cases healed after 26 and 36 days respectively. Corneal cross-linking may be an additional or alternative treatment of corneal ulcers in critically ill neonatal foals and may reduce the use of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Imposimato
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Jole Mariella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Freccero
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Gialletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Barac IR, Artamonov AR, Baltă G, Dinu V, Mehedințu C, Bobircă A, Baltă F, Barac DA. Photoactivated Chromophore Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Infectious Keratitis (PACK-CXL)-A Comprehensive Review of Diagnostic and Prognostic Factors Involved in Therapeutic Indications and Contraindications. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1907. [PMID: 36422083 PMCID: PMC9698237 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious keratitis is a severe infection of the eye, which requires urgent care in order to prevent permanent complications. Typical cases are usually diagnosed clinically, whereas severe cases also require additional tools, such as direct microscopy, corneal cultures, molecular techniques, or ophthalmic imaging. The initial treatment is empirical, based on the suspected etiology, and is later adjusted as needed. It ranges from topical administration of active substances to oral drugs, or to complex surgeries in advanced situations. A novel alternative is represented by Photoactivated Chromophore Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (PACK-CXL), which is widely known as a minimally invasive therapy for corneal degenerations. The purpose of this review is to identify the main diagnostic and prognostic factors which further outline the indications and contraindications of PACK-CXL in infectious keratitis. Given the predominantly positive outcomes in the medical literature, we ponder whether this is a promising treatment modality, which should be further evaluated in a systematic, evidence-based manner in order to develop a clear treatment protocol for successful future results, especially in carefully selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Ramona Barac
- Department of Ophthalmology/ENT, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050747 Bucharest, Romania
- Bucharest Emergency Eye Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - George Baltă
- Department of Ophthalmology/ENT, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050747 Bucharest, Romania
- Bucharest Emergency Eye Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentin Dinu
- Department of Ophthalmology/ENT, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050747 Bucharest, Romania
- Bucharest Emergency Eye Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudia Mehedințu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050747 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Bobircă
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050747 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florian Baltă
- Department of Ophthalmology/ENT, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050747 Bucharest, Romania
- Bucharest Emergency Eye Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Diana Andreea Barac
- Faculty of Medicine, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050747 Bucharest, Romania
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Murchison CE, Petroll WM, Robertson DM. Infectious keratitis after corneal crosslinking: systematic review. J Cataract Refract Surg 2021; 47:1075-1080. [PMID: 33769765 PMCID: PMC8298263 DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Corneal crosslinking is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration--approved therapy to stiffen the cornea and prevent progression of corneal ectasia in patients with keratoconus. The standard procedure involves removal of the corneal epithelium (epithelial-off) prior to treatment. Variations to the standard procedure include accelerated crosslinking and transepithelial procedures. This study reviewed what is known regarding the risk for infection after epithelial-off crosslinking, the spectrum of pathogens, and clinical outcomes. 26 publications were identified. All eyes were fit with a bandage contact lens postoperatively. Available data indicate that the overall frequency of infectious keratitis after epithelium-off crosslinking is low. Bacterial infections are the most common, with a mean time of presentation of 4.8 days postoperatively. The use of steroids and bandage contact lenses in the immediate postoperative period and/or a history of atopic or herpetic disease were associated with infection. These patients require intense postoperative care with prophylactic antiviral therapy when appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Murchison
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Feizi S, Karimian F, Esfandiari H. Corneal crosslinking for the treatment of infectious keratitis: a review. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2021.1933440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Feizi
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Karimian
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Esfandiari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Alternative Indications for Corneal Crosslinking. J Cataract Refract Surg 2021; 47:1360-1366. [PMID: 33929804 DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is the current mainstay treatment for progressive keratoconus. In the past 15 years, a variety of other indications have been tested. A systematic review was conducted to examine these alternative indications for CXL. In total, of 143 papers on crosslinking as a treatment for infectious keratitis, bullous keratopathy, pellucid marginal degeneration, post- laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia, and as a way to improve vision either on its own or in combination with other interventions were included. Post-LASIK ectasia is a definite indication for crosslinking. Surprisingly, only limited research has been performed on pellucid marginal degeneration, with no randomized trials available to date. Other interesting applications are the combined use of refractive lasers and crosslinking for suspicious or ectatic corneas and crosslinking as a standalone intervention for minor refractive errors. CXL might offer a solution for refractory bacterial keratitis. In bullous keratopathy, it seems to offer only a transient benefit.
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