Risk Factors of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Population-Based Study: Results from SHIP-TREND-1 (Study of Health in Pomerania-TREND-1)

BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of visual impairment in the elderly population in industrialized countries. The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) with its cohort SHIP-TREND was designed to investigate risk factors and clinical disorders in the general population of northeast Germany. This work focused on the first follow-up of SHIP-TREND and determined associated modifiable risk factors of AMD. Modifying risk factors is important to slow the progression of early AMD as there is currently no treatment for the late stage of geographic atrophy. Understanding AMD-associated risk factors also plays an important role in the development of therapeutic concepts. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 2016 and 2019, data were collected from a total of 2507 initially randomly selected subjects from the general population aged 28 to 89 years. Non-mydriatic fundus photography of the right eye was performed in 2489 subjects. Grading of AMD was performed using the Rotterdam classification system. RESULTS We included 1418 gradable fundus photographs in the analysis. The risk of AMD changes increased with age and was positively correlated with HDL cholesterol, fT3, and low educational level. In men, BMI and cigarette smoking were also positively associated with AMD changes. CONCLUSIONS This study emphasizes the consideration of various metabolic pathways for the development of therapeutic concepts.

Glaucoma Patients Have a Lower Abundance of Butyrate-Producing Taxa in the Gut

Purpose

Glaucoma is an eye disease that is the most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It has been suggested that gut microbiota can produce reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines that may travel from the gastric mucosa to distal sites, for example, the optic nerve head or trabecular meshwork. There is evidence for a gut-eye axis, as microbial dysbiosis has been associated with retinal diseases. We investigated the microbial composition in patients with glaucoma and healthy controls. Moreover, we analyzed the association of the gut microbiome with intraocular pressure (IOP; risk factor of glaucoma) and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR; quantifying glaucoma severity).

Methods

The discovery analyses included participants of the Rotterdam Study and the Erasmus Glaucoma Cohort. A total of 225 patients with glaucoma and 1247 age- and sex-matched participants without glaucoma were included in our analyses. Stool samples were used to generate 16S rRNA gene profiles. We assessed associations with 233 genera and species. We used data from the TwinsUK and the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) to replicate our findings.

Results

Several butyrate-producing taxa (e.g. Butyrivibrio, Caproiciproducens, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Coprococcus 1, Ruminococcaceae UCG 007, and Shuttleworthia) were less abundant in people with glaucoma compared to healthy controls. The same taxa were also associated with lower IOP and smaller VCDR. The replication analyses confirmed the findings from the discovery analyses.

Conclusions

Large human studies exploring the link between the gut microbiome and glaucoma are lacking. Our results suggest that microbial dysbiosis plays a role in the pathophysiology of glaucoma.

[Fitness to drive with glaucoma]

Glaucoma is one of the eye diseases that are particularly relevant to driving in old age. The ophthalmologist often has to take on the task of traffic medical consultation or medical appraisal. It is essential to distinguish between fitness to drive and driving ability or driving safety and driving capability. The medical examination of fitness to drive can only be carried out over long intervals and basically requires an ophthalmological examination in compliance with all the requirements of the driving license ordinance. This is not a healthcare task. In the case of clarification of the fitness to drive in people with known glaucoma on behalf of the test persons themselves or a driving license authority, visual field testing must be performed using manual kinetic perimetry according to Goldmann, especially for all borderline case decisions by traffic experts. The ophthalmologist faces the particular difficulty of maintaining a balance between the legal duty of care and patient-centered care in order not to strain the patient-physician relationship.

[Ophthalmologic Evaluation of Fitness to Drive]

The ophthalmologist must know the essential principles of the driving fitness assessment. In the case of applications for a driving license renewal, it must always be clarified before the examination whether the fitness to drive is to be checked in accordance with the special regulation for holders of a driving license issued up to December 31, 1998 (see Annex 6 to § 12 of the FeV under 2.2.3 Special regulations for the old German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations). Within the scope of grandfathering, this continues to be valid only for the so-called old holders. A categorization of the manifold concerns regarding fitness to drive or driving ability in everyday practice makes it easier for the ophthalmologist to make a factually justified decision in individual cases. In particular, a distinction must be made between the medical assessment of subjects as applicants for a driving license (first-time applicants or renewal applicants) according to the German Driving License Ordinance (FeV) and the consultation of patients with chronic eye diseases [duty to inform according to the German Patients' Rights Act (PRG) and the German Civil Code (BGB), German Driving License Ordinance (FeV)]. The German Driving License Ordinance contains precise specifications for standardized testing of visual acuity and visual field as the most important partial functions of the eye. A special feature of the identified performance deficits of the eyes is that compensation by other bodily functions or supplementary technical equipment on the vehicle is not yet possible. The ophthalmologist therefore often has the task and responsibility of balancing the individual desire for mobility, in the case of professional drivers even the preservation of their jobs on the one hand, and the general societal need for safety on the other.

[Patient education before ocular surgery]

Particular importance and diligence must be attached to patient information prior to ocular surgery. A surgical intervention performed without error according to the state of the art in medicine remains exempt from punishment according to § 228 German Criminal Code (StGB) only if effective consent to the treatment is given and only then is there no liability if a risk inherent to the intervention materializes. The patient's consent is only effective if the patient has been properly informed beforehand. In medical malpractice proceedings, a breach of the duty to inform is regularly alleged. From the outset, the physician bears the burden of proof that he has obtained consent in accordance with Section 630d of the German Civil Code (BGB) and provided information in accordance with the requirements of Section 630e of the BGB. The provisions of the Patients' Rights Act also contain formulations that regularly lead to a very detailed individual review of possible errors of disclosure in medical liability proceedings. Apart from the indispensable requirement of an oral clarification discussion by a physician qualified to do so, who informs about "all essential circumstances" of the planned eye operation, the adherence to formal requirements for the clarification discussion and a written documentation with the individual discussion contents are of decisive importance in a lawsuit in order to reduce possible liability risks from the outset. On the one hand, case law sets high requirements for information and on the other hand, every ophthalmologist should also be aware that this effectively counteracts a depersonalization of the physician-patient relationship.

Keratoconjunctivitis as a Single Entity in X-linked Agammaglobulinemia?

PURPOSE

To report a case of a male patient with a severe corneal and conjunctival immunopathy likely caused by an X-linked agammaglobulinemia.

METHODS

A clinical case report with observation results from 2001-2021.

RESULTS

A severe corneal immunopathy of both eyes is reported in a retrospective long-term observation of nearly twenty years in a 32-year-old male patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA). A chronic progressive corneal scarring with a loss of visual acuity and typical symptoms of a phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis were observed.

CONCLUSION

Whereas steroid eye drops like dexamethasone could control the symptoms and the corneal scarring progression as short time therapy options, ciclosporin A eye drops showed problems in therapy adherence in long-time use. Antibiotic eye drops supported the anti-inflammatory therapy effects, but no typical pathogen was detected. Antineovascular subconjunctival application did not show any relevant effect in one-time use. Artificial tears were needed as basic therapy.

SHIP-MR and Radiology: 12 Years of Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Single Center

The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), a population-based study from a rural state in northeastern Germany with a relatively poor life expectancy, supplemented its comprehensive examination program in 2008 with whole-body MR imaging at 1.5 T (SHIP-MR). We reviewed more than 100 publications that used the SHIP-MR data and analyzed which sequences already produced fruitful scientific outputs and which manuscripts have been referenced frequently. Upon reviewing the publications about imaging sequences, those that used T1-weighted structured imaging of the brain and a gradient-echo sequence for R2* mapping obtained the highest scientific output; regarding specific body parts examined, most scientific publications focused on MR sequences involving the brain and the (upper) abdomen. We conclude that population-based MR imaging in cohort studies should define more precise goals when allocating imaging time. In addition, quality control measures might include recording the number and impact of published work, preferably on a bi-annual basis and starting 2 years after initiation of the study. Structured teaching courses may enhance the desired output in areas that appear underrepresented.

Smell and taste in idiopathic blepharospasm

The pathophysiology of blepharospasm is incompletely understood. Current concepts suggest that blepharospasm is a network disorder, involving basal ganglia, thalamus, cortex, and, possibly, the cerebellum. Tracing, imaging, and clinical studies revealed that these structures are also concerned with olfaction and taste. Because of this anatomical overlap, dysfunction of the chemical senses in blepharospasm is expected. Injections of botulinum toxin into the eyelid muscles are the first-line treatment of blepharospasm. Yet, the effects of botulinum toxin on the chemical senses have not been systematically assessed. To contribute to a better understanding of blepharospasm, olfactory and gustatory abilities were assessed in 17 subjects with blepharospasm and 17 age-/sex-matched healthy controls. Sniffin Sticks were used to assess odor threshold, odor discrimination, and odor identification. Results of these three Sniffin Sticks subtests were added to the composite olfactory score. The Taste Strips were applied to assess taste. In an adjacent study, we assessed the sense of smell and taste in eight subjects with blepharospasm before and 4 weeks after botulinum toxin treatment. Subjects with blepharospasm had significantly lower (= worse) scores for odor threshold and for the composite olfactory score than healthy controls, while odor discrimination, odor identification, and the composite taste score were not different between groups. The adjacent study revealed that botulinum toxin did not impact the chemical senses. In this study, subjects with blepharospasm had a lower (= worse) odor threshold than healthy controls. As olfaction is important in daily life, findings justify further research of olfaction in blepharospasm.

Contextual Assessment of Retinal Injuries – Tasks of the Ophthalmological Expert

The ophthalmologic assessment of causal relationships is subject to formal guidelines, depending on the legal field (social law in the statutory accident insurance, civil law in the private accident insurance). After determining all objective and subjective findings of the individual case with complete recording of the medical facts, the ophthalmologist has the task of making a summarizing assessment of the existing cause-and-effect relationship. With regard to the distinction between retinal damage caused by an accident or retinal disease not caused by an accident, it is necessary to weigh up the natural causality according to the state of medical experience on the basis of the criteria strength of association, consistency, specificity, temporal sequence, dose dependence, agreement with previous findings, experimental reliability and analogous consideration. All records of medical findings from the patientʼs medical history and the individual description of the accident must be included in the expert opinion. In the case of several competing causes (often accident and pre-existing damage), the social law in the statutory accident insurance must present the causal contributions with roughly estimated probabilities. In civil law, valid for the private accident insurance, the existence of partial causality (approx. 25, 50, 75%) must be evaluated.

Association between cardiorespiratory fitness and handgrip strength with age-related macular degeneration: a population-based study

AIM

To assess whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and handgrip strength, two objective markers of physical fitness, are associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

We analysed cross-sectional data from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (2008-2012) including 1173 adult men and women aged 20-79 years. Fundus photography of the central retina was recorded with a non-mydriatic camera, and images were graded according to an established clinical AMD classification scale by an experienced reader. CRF was measured using peak oxygen uptake (peakVO₂), oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (VO₂@AT), and maximum power output (W_max) from standardised cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer according to a modified Jones protocol. Handgrip strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) for the associations of peakVO₂, VO₂@AT, W_max and handgrip strength with AMD were derived from multivariable Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

PeakVO₂, VO₂@AT, W_max and handgrip strength were not associated with AMD. Adjusted PR for AMD associated with a 1-SD increment in peakVO₂, VO₂@AT, W_max and handgrip strength were 1.05 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.34), 0.96 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.18), 1.10 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.41) and 1.01 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.30), respectively. These associations were not modified by age, sex, smoking, body mass index and diabetes. Estimates in sensitivity analysis for confounding, selection bias and missing data were similar.

CONCLUSION

In our study, CRF and handgrip strength were not associated with AMD. Nevertheless, longitudinal studies with bigger sample sizes are needed to furtherly examine these associations.

Das augenärztliche Gutachten in unterschiedlichen Rechtsgebieten

Die augenärztliche Begutachtung unterscheidet sich in den verschiedenen Rechtsgebieten deutlich, so gelten unterschiedliche Kausalitäten und Beweismaßstäbe, und die Bewertung muss unterschiedlichen Maßstäben folgen. Für die 3 wichtigen Teilbereiche der Privaten und der Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung sowie dem Schwerbehindertenrecht bzw. dem sozialen Entschädigungsrecht existieren abstrakte tabellarische Vorgaben. Die Grundlagen der Begutachtung in diesen Rechtsgebieten werden vergleichend dargestellt, dabei wird besonders auf die Kausalität eingegangen.

Das augenärztliche Gutachten in unterschiedlichen Rechtsgebieten

Die augenärztliche Begutachtung unterscheidet sich in den verschiedenen Rechtsgebieten deutlich, so gelten unterschiedliche Kausalitäten und Beweismaßstäbe, und die Bewertung muss unterschiedlichen Maßstäben folgen. Für die 3 wichtigen Teilbereiche der Privaten und der Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung sowie dem Schwerbehindertenrecht bzw. dem sozialen Entschädigungsrecht existieren abstrakte tabellarische Vorgaben. Die Grundlagen der Begutachtung in diesen Rechtsgebieten werden vergleichend dargestellt, dabei wird besonders auf die Kausalität eingegangen.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Associated Risk Factors in the Population-Based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-Trend)

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment in developed countries, especially in the older population. The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) is a population-based study designed to investigate risk factors and clinical disorders in the general population. In the present study, we analysed the AMD prevalence and risk factors in the north-eastern German population.

Material/Methods

From 2008 to 2012, we collected data among participants ages 29–79 years. The study population consisted of 4420 individuals. Non-mydriatic retinal photographs were taken of 3934 participants. AMD stages were graded according to the Rotterdam Classification System and the International Classification System.

Results

Photographs from 1854 participants were available for grading. The baseline examinations showed small hard drusen (<63 μm, stage 0b and 0c) were present in 10.7% of the participants (stage 0b in 7.5% and stage 0c in 3.2%). Earliest signs of AMD were detected in 28.68% (stage 0b in 7.5% and stage 1b in 21.18%). Late AMD (geographic atrophy and neovascular AMD, stages 4a and 4b) were identified in 0.43% (stage 4a in 0.16% and stage 4b 0.27%). Risk of AMD increased significantly with age and higher body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and weight-waist-ratio. Smoking, sex, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride were not associated with AMD in this study.

Conclusions

The prevalence of AMD increases with age and obesity-associated factors. These results must be verified in the follow-up. Data concerning the incidence of AMD will be available after the 5- and 10-year follow-ups.

[Management of anticoagulants in ophthalmic surgery-a survey among ophthalmic surgeons in Germany]

INTRODUCTION

As our population ages and comorbidities rise, ophthalmic surgeons are increasingly faced with patients on anticoagulant therapy or with clotting disorders. The ophthalmic surgeon has to weigh the perioperative risk of haemorrhage when anticoagulation continues against the risk of thromboembolism caused by discontinuation or changing the patient's medication (bridging, switching, cessation). There are currently no guidelines or recommendations.

METHODS

A survey was sent to the DOG (German Ophthalmologic Society) divisions and associated surgical organizations to determine the status quo. A questionnaire was sent out and filled out by the different groups of specialists.

RESULTS

All four divisions of the DOG and four associated organizations returned completed questionnaires. Surgical interventions were listed that are carried out during anticoagulant therapy without exceptions, as well as interventions that were classified to require medical adjustment. Although the assessments varied, general consensus was achieved regarding interventions not requiring adjustments due to anticoagulants (i. e., intravitreal injection, cataract surgery, laser and corneal operations, simple muscle surgery), and those interventions requiring adjustments in medications (glaucoma operations, complex retina surgery, eye socket surgery, complex surgery of the lid).

CONCLUSION

Main result of this survey was the specification of serious bleeding complications which are permanent vision loss and re-operation. They could serve as endpoint parameters for essential future investigations. Nevertheless, this survey makes clear that the decision about an adjustment of anticoagulant medication in ophthalmic surgery is currently made individually and not based on established standards.

Prevalence of impaired functional reading ability and its association with quality of life, daily activity, mobility and social participation among general older adults in Germany

Background

The prevalence of visual impairment and of impaired functional reading ability rapidly increase with age. However, functional reading ability is essential for an autonomous lifestyle. We analyzed the prevalence of impaired functional reading ability in the general elderly population and the association of impaired functional reading ability with quality of life, daily activities, mobility, and social participation.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from a population-based cohort were analyzed. Participants aged ≥65 years were tested for their functional reading ability using (1) Nieden charts (cognitive reading ability) and (2) a test in which a telephone number had to be found (reading comprehension). Prevalences of impaired functional reading ability were calculated. In multivariable regression models, the associations of cognitive reading ability (1) with quality of life, daily activities, mobility, and social participation were examined.

Results

60 of 780 participants (7.69%) were able to read the third last text of the Nieden test (good cognitive reading ability), whereas 7 participants (0.9%) were unable to read any of the texts. 716 participants (91.8%) identified the phone book entry successfully (good reading comprehension). Multivariable regression models revealed no significant associations of the cognitive reading ability (1) with quality of life, daily activities, social participation, and mobility.

Conclusion

Our results showed a high prevalence of impaired cognitive reading ability (1). Reading comprehension (2) was slightly affected. The loss of cognitive reading ability usually progresses over years; signs and symptoms might remain unrecognized when compensated by other functions.

Association of anthropometric markers with globe position: A population-based MRI study

Purpose

Exophthalmometry is a common examination in ophthalmology. For example it is relevant for diagnosis or follow-up of thyroid eye disease. However, exophthalmometry is affected by several factors such as ethnicity, sex and age. The purpose of this study was to determine the globe position by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to investigate its correlates among the general Northeast German adult population.

Methods

A total of 3030 subjects aged between 20 and 89 from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) underwent a standardised whole-body MRI. Axial length and globe position were determined in axial T1-weighted images of the orbit. The image had to include the corneal apex as well as the optic nerve head. Study participants were excluded from imaging analysis if there was no plane available that included both structures. Further exclusion criterion was a lateral deviation of the subject’s viewing direction. Images with inadequate quality due to motion artefacts or other technical reasons were excluded as well. Globe position was defined as the perpendicular distance between the interzygomatic line and the posterior surface of the cornea (exophthalmometric value). The distance between the posterior surface of the cornea and the posterior pole of the eyeball, at the boundary with orbital fat, was defined as axial length. We used posterior surface of the cornea for our measurements, because it seemed to be less vulnerable for motion artefacts than the anterior one. Moreover body measurements including body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences were determined. Associations between anthropometric measurements with exophthalmometric outcomes were analysed by linear regressions adjusted for age and stratified by sex. P-values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. To assess intra-reader variability intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were computed for repeated measurements of the MRI scans of 25 subjects.

Results

After considering the exclusion criteria 1926 evaluable subjects remained. There was no significant difference between means of right and left eyes. The mean exophthalmometric value was significantly higher in men (16.5 +/- 2.2 mm) than in women (15.3 +/- 2.1 mm). The mean MRI-axial length was 23.4 +/- 0.8 mm for men and 22.8 +/- 0.9 mm for women. BMI, waist and hip circumferences were positively correlated with exophthalmometric value (p<0.001). Difference of mean MRI-based exophthalmometric value for obese subjects (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and non-overweight (BMI <25 kg/m²) was 2.1 mm for men and 1.6 mm for women. ICC between 0.97 and 0.99 indicate excellent repeatability of our method.

Conclusion

We conclude that MRI-based exophthalmometric values are positively correlated with BMI, waist- and hip-circumference among the general Northeast German adult population. This association is independent from age and axial length. Consequently bodyweight of patients should be regarded to interpret exophthalmometric values correctly. MRI-exophthalmometry seems to be a suitable method to determine globe position. Considering the large number of study participants, exophthalmometric values of our study could be used as comparative values for exophthalmometry of people of Western European descent in future.

[Telematics services and telemedicine under ophthalmological legal aspects]

Telemedical solutions are increasing with respect to diversity, frequency and scope. It should be part of medical practice to remind again and again that telemedicine does not represent a special medical field or even a subspecialty. The concept of telemedicine is more used as a superior term for different medical care concepts, provided across distance and time barriers. Telematic solutions implemented as a new field of service in ophthalmological practice or in hospitals must fulfill the following obligatory requirements in conformity with the law: patients must be informed about the range of telemedical solutions, operators must ensure medical specialist qualifications and all care responsibilities combined with the telemedical services must be guaranteed. The legal assessment standard is always the direct comparison between telemedical measures and the individual patient result of medical treatment in a face to face situation in an ophthalmologists practice as the gold standard. The court makes a targeted examination on whether the individual damage to health of a patient under telemedical care would also have normally occurred under medical treatment within the framework of regular care by a medical specialist in a practice or clinic. If the court has a well-founded doubt, the operator must be able to justify either constraints in individual cases or a better prognosis and success rate (reversal of burden of proof). Especially due to the latter aspect it is important for the operator that the standards for telemedical services of the specific medical fields are predefined by the specialist societies or that corresponding results from healthcare research projects are available.

[Diabetic retinopathy--Current aspects of therapy]

Pathological changes of the small blood vessels are the main risk for diabetic retinopathy. A distinction is made between proliferative and non-proliferative processes. The diabetic macular edema can manifest itself at any stage of the diabetic retinopathy and poses a serious threat to vision and quality of life. Evidence based therapy primarily focuses on laser coagulation. Laser coagulation suspends progression of the disease and is used particularly for extrafoveolar edema. Especially a pathological swelling, such as the cystoid edema, in this central part of the retina, can cause a rapid deterioration of vision. The treatment of cystoid macular edema with intravitreal application of drugs is a widespread therapeutical approach. Invasive therapeutical drug application into the vitreous cavity has to be sterile in order to prevent infection. The usage of VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) antagonists is an effective treatment for the diabetic macular edema. Several drugs are now available for intravitreal injection. Nevertheless a small number of medical drugs regularly administered to patients still have to be approved by the authorities (off-label use). One can distinguish mainly between VEGF antagonist (growth factor antagonist) like ranibizumab, aflibercept and bevacizumab and steroid therapy which includes dexamethasone, fluocinolone and triamcinolone.

Trends of barriers to eye care among adults with diagnosed diabetes in Germany, 1997-2012

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To study trends of barriers to receiving recommended eye care among subjects with diabetes aged 20-81 years in northeast Germany.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed population-based data from two repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1997-2001 and 2008-2012 (Ns of 4308 and 4402). Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization was used to identify individual-level demographic, financial and health-related barriers to annual eye-care utilization in subjects with a self-reported physician's diabetes and to examine population trends in these barriers. The prevalence of diabetes increased from 6.5% to 11.4%. The prevalence of annual eye-care utilization among persons with diabetes decreased from 69.4% to 56.0% (adjusted relative risk = 0.77, p < 0.001). The decline of eye care utilization over the past decade in eye-care use was more pronounced in groups at risk for diabetes-related complications (i.e., lower socio-economic status, >5 years since diagnosis of diabetes, poor glycemic control, obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, co-existing diseases). We identified relevant predictors of missed annual eye-care use among diabetics.

CONCLUSION

The increase of diabetes prevalence and downward trend of eye-care visits at the recommended level call for development, implementation and evaluation of continued efforts to improve access to eye specialists, particularly among those with poor diabetic control, co-existing diabetic complications, and comorbidities.

[Study of health in Pomerania (SHIP-Trend): : Important aspects for healthcare research in ophthalmology]

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies continue to receive growing attention in health services research.

OBJECTIVES

How can ophthalmological health services research benefit from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)?

METHODS

The SHIP is a population-based, epidemiological project conducted in the northeast of Germany. In 1997 a random sample of 6,265 eligible subjects was enrolled for the first SHIP cohort. Between 1997 and 2001 baseline examinations were performed, followed by 5-year follow-up from 2002 to 2006, from 2008 to 2012 and from 2014. A second independent sample of 8,016 eligible subjects was enrolled in 2008. Baseline examinations of this new cohort (SHIP-Trend) were conducted between 2008 and 2012 and the first follow-up is scheduled for 2015. Included in SHIP are a large variety of different assessments including eye examinations. All participants are subjected to non-mydriatic funduscopy and static vessel analysis (SVA).

RESULTS

A total number of 4,420 subjects participated in the interdisciplinary baseline examinations of SHIP-Trend. Standardized fundus photography was performed with a non-mydriatic camera in 3,934 subjects.

CONCLUSION

Estimations of the prevalence of major eye diseases may provide valid indicators for healthcare provision within healthcare research. New concepts of prevention with a strengthened integration of ophthalmological diagnostics can be identified from the widespread spectrum of different healthcare examinations. Regional differences in the efficiency of healthcare provision can be evaluated with comparative studies between different German populations.

[Post-surgical management of split-thickness skin grafts in oculoplastic surgery]

Malignant skin tumours in periocular regions often demand ophthalmo-surgical measures. Split-thickness skin grafts still represent an important treatment alternative when plastic-reconstructive covering through local tissue of the facial area is impossible. Essential technical steps to gain viable split-thickness skin grafts are introduced. Current standards in the after-treatment of split-thickness skin grafts at the receiving location as well as in the after-care of the donor area are presented from interdisciplinary points of view referring to the latest publications. Hydrocolloidal dressings are recommended for the after-treatment of removal areas such as the inside of the forearm since they improve post-surgical management for the ophthalmologist significantly and help in abbreviating healing duration. Pain sensation of the patient as well as the rate of infection are minimal. Throughout the early stages, split-thickness skin grafts at reception areas often demand an intensified local massage treatment with hydrocortisone 2.5 % ophthalmic cream. During the later stages follow-up measures should be stopped neither too soon nor abruptly. Ointments with polysiloxane and silicon dioxide preserve skin suppleness and prevent the occurrence of shrinkage as well as hypertrophic scars.

High serum thyrotropin levels are associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing in the general population

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown associations of hypothyroidism with arterial blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and inflammation. Based on these pathways, there might also be an association between hypothyroidism and retinal arteriolar narrowing (RAN), a marker of microvascular damage from hypertension, atherosclerosis, and inflammation. Against this background, the aim of this study was to investigate the putative association between serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels and RAN defined by arterio-venous ratio (AVR) from static vessel analysis.

METHODS

We used data from 3189 individuals from the second population-based cohort of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND-0). Thyroid function was defined according to serum TSH and serum diiodothyronine (3,5-T2) levels. Low and high serum TSH levels were defined by the cutoffs 0.3 mIU/L and 3.0 mIU/L. Fundus photography of the central retina was recorded with a nonmydriatic camera, and images were evaluated by one experienced reader. An AVR <0.8 was defined as decreased. Serum TSH levels, low and high TSH, and serum 3,5-T2 levels were associated with AVR by linear regression and with AVR <0.8 by Poisson regression, both adjusted for age, sex, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and intake of beta-blockers.

RESULTS

Serum TSH levels were significantly associated with AVR (β=-0.028 [CI -0.049 to -0.007]; p=0.009) and with a decreased AVR <0.8 (relative risk=2.05 [CI 1.13-3.73]; p=0.019). Individuals with high TSH had a 1.43 higher risk for a decreased AVR ([CI 1.04-1.96]; p=0.027) than individuals with serum TSH levels within the reference range. Serum 3,5-T2 levels were also associated with a decreased AVR (relative risk for an increase of 1 nM=0.45 [CI 0.23-0.87]; p=0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results substantiate evidence for an association between hypothyroidism and RAN. Potential mechanisms explaining this association are long-term hypertension, atherosclerotic processes, and inflammation.

[Topical chemotherapy for conjunctival tumours - the medical and legal bearings of the case]

The treatment management of malignant tumours is characterised and limited by specific features of the topographical structure of the eye. The anatomic characteristics of the conjunctival sac, the movable tissue structures and the need to take care of corneal transparency and conjunctival stability are the main concerns of the experts. Clinical studies have revealed adjuvant chemotherapy to have a positive effect as a therapeutic treatment for neoplasia of the conjunctiva and cornea. Although mitomycin and interferon are widely used, there are no phase III studies on local adjuvant chemotherapy (interferon, mitomycin, 5-fluorouracil) that evaluate the proof of effectiveness, potential adverse effects or interactions with other drugs. For this reason, the currently available studies fail to comply with the jurisdiction of the German Federal Social Court. Hence, the Medical Service of the Health Insurance Funds (MDK) regionally does not accept the medical preconditions for reimbursement of the costs in adjuvant local chemotherapy. A doctor's unquestioned acceptance of such an MDK decision could have legal consequences. An off-label use is acceptable by law if there is no alternative treatment available with a higher evidence level that conforms to the medical standard. It is therefore recommendable for the Joint Federal Committee commissions the experts in ophthalmology and oncology on off-label use, to review the scientific evidence regarding adjuvant therapy of malignant tumours of the ocular surface. Only in this way can regional disparities in patient care, and intrusions on the doctor-patient relationship, be avoided.

[Mason's lacing cord. Potential danger of severe open ocular injuries]

BACKGROUND

Introduction of new working equipment or the modification of established working routines could induce new trauma mechanisms. In all of theses cases ophthalmologists are not only responsible for ocular treatment they also have to act as assessors. This might include legal aspects, e.g. to validate the circumstances of an accident.

METHODS

We present a new trauma mechanism caused by a mason's lacing cord which was fixed with nails. In addition to two case studies we collected experimental data (maximum tension and maximum elongation of various mason's lacing cords) about the triggering event using standard test conditions.

RESULTS

A tensile force of 96.2 N was needed to achieve maximum elongation of mason's lacing cords. With a cord length of 5 m, an elongation of 0.09 m was enough to cause penetrating injuries (for 10 m cord length the critical elongation was 0.13 m). Under these conditions a nail could be accelerated to a velocity of 18 m/s. This may lead to open eyeball injuries with severe visual loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Nails fixed to elastic mason's lacing cords are potential risk factors for occupational ocular injuries and severe loss of vision. Caution labels should be attached to the work equipment and proper eye protection should be used to prevent severe occupational ocular injuries.

[Surgical treatment of upper lid entropion -- selected aspects]

The upper lid entropion is a rare eyelid malposition in which the external lid margin turns inward against the ocular surface. It may be classified as congenital (tarsal malformation, hypoplasia of tarsus, eyelid hyperlaxity) but is more commonly an acquired condition (traumatic, immunopathological, inflammation, involutional forms). Surgery is the treatment of choice for correction of upper lid entropion. Appropriate surgical techniques are available for the respective conditions. This article gives an overview of the most commonly used treatment strategies including non-surgical and surgical procedures. Transcutaneous and intermarginal access routes have proven to be safe methods for minimal or moderate upper lid entropion. Combined surgical procedures (e.g., rotation of tarsoconjunctiva, posterior lamellar graft, everting sutures and autologous cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation and so on) should be applied as treatment strategies for severe upper lid entropion with cicatricial changes in the tarsoconjunctival layer, shortage of posterior lamella and severe ocular surface disease.

Distribution of mean, systolic and diastolic ocular perfusion pressure in telemedical homemonitoring of glaucoma patients

BACKGROUND

To analyze the relation and distribution of mean, systolic and diastolic ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in telemedical homemonitoring of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

70 patients with POAG measured intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure at home for a period of 6 months with the Goldmann applanation self-tonometer Ocuton S and the blood pressure device boso medicus PC. Twenty-four-hour profiles were taken every 4 weeks in addition to single measurements in the morning and evening once a week. All measured values were transmitted to an electronic patient record, which calculated OPP by taking systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure and subtracting IOP.

RESULTS

We analyzed 3,282 values of mean, systolic and diastolic OPP. The quantity of values below the risk levels of the Barbados Eye Studies was calculated. We found values lower than the risk levels for LE: 49 (1.5%)/RE: 60 (1.8%) systolic OPP, LE: 1,623 (49.5%)/RE: 1,761 (53.7%) diastolic OPP and LE: 687 (20.9%)/RE: 794 (24.2%) mean OPP. The individual average OPP levels of all 70 patients below the risk levels showed the following distribution: LE: 4 (5.7%)/RE: 6 (8.6%) systolic OPP, LE: 19 (27.1%)/RE: 20 (28.6%) diastolic OPP and LE: 10 (14.3%)/RE: 10 (14.3%) mean OPP.

CONCLUSION

The individual distribution of different OPP values in POAG patients is not easy to interpret for clinical ophthalmologists. Precise practicable guidelines for clinical use still have to be determined.

Nail projectiles propelled by a mason's lacing cord: an experimental approach

The recent clinical observation of two unintentional penetrating ocular and cerebral injuries due to 90-mm construction nails gave occasion to an experimental study to check the alleged trauma mechanism for plausibility. Both casualties reported that they had attached a mason's lacing cord to the masonry using a nail as anchoring when suddenly the nail was yanked from its moorings and propelled like a missile by the overstretched lacing cord. As to the best of the authors' knowledge, this mechanism of injury has not yet been reported in any of the literature; it was the aim to find an experimental approach to review the plausibility of the alleged sequence of events leading to the accidents. The tensile strength at break and strain at break of different mason's lacing cords (diameter of 1 and 2 mm) were measured according to DIN EN ISO 2062 by using a tensile testing machine. Based on the maximum spring energy of the lacing cords, which was determined 174.9 J for the 1-mm cord (length 10 m) and 747.4 J for the 2-mm cord (length 10 m), the maximum possible velocity of the nails as projectiles was calculated to be 243.5 m/s for the 1-mm cord and 503.4 m/s for the 2-mm cord. The critical elongation a cord of a certain length has to be stretched to deliver enough kinetic energy to a 90-mm nail to surpass the threshold velocity for skin penetration, which was investigated by Sellier (1977) to be approximately 18 m/s, was also calculated. To conclude, the energy delivered by the cords is high enough to surpass the rather low threshold velocity of nails. The details of how these accidents occurred, which seemed questionable at first, can be reasonably explained by trauma biomechanics.