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Garg N, Cohen E, Tsui E, LaMattina KC. The Effect of Leflunomide as Adjunctive Therapy With a TNF Inhibitor in Pediatric Patients With Uveitis. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2023; 60:417-420. [PMID: 36546781 DOI: 10.3928/01913913-20221118-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the effectiveness of leflunomide as adjunctive therapy with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in pediatric patients with uveitis who are not able to tolerate methotrexate. METHODS A retrospective case series was performed of pediatric patients who were receiving leflunomide in conjunction with anti-TNF agent therapy after intolerance to a combination of methotrexate with anti-TNF therapy. Dose and duration of methotrexate, leflunomide, and anti-TNF therapy were recorded. Extensive history, demographics, laboratory data, and uveitis flare rate were obtained. RESULTS A total of five children were included in the study. Most patients were initially receiving methotrexate and an anti-TNF agent was added subsequently due to inadequate response to monotherapy. After discontinuation of methotrexate, leflunomide was initiated with anti-TNF therapy. The replacement of methotrexate with leflunomide showed decreased side effects and was associated with lower flare rates and steroid-free remission. CONCLUSIONS Leflunomide was found to be well tolerated and effective at maintaining uveitis quiescence in conjunction with anti-TNF agents in pediatric patients who do not tolerate methotrexate. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(6):417-420.].
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Bains A, Osathanugrah P, Sanjiv N, Chiu C, Fiorello MG, Siegel NH, Peeler CE, Distefano AG, Lee HJ, Ness S, Desai MA, Titelbaum JR, Pira T, LaMattina KC, Christiansen SP, Cabral HJ, Subramanian ML. Diverse Research Teams and Underrepresented Groups in Clinical Studies. JAMA Ophthalmol 2023; 141:1037-1044. [PMID: 37856135 PMCID: PMC10587823 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.4638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Importance Several ophthalmic diseases disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority patients, yet most clinical trials struggle to enroll cohorts that are demographically representative of disease burden; some barriers to recruitment include time and transportation, language and cultural differences, and fear and mistrust of research due to historical abuses. Incorporating diversity within the research team has been proposed as a method to increase trust and improve engagement among potential study participants. Objective To examine how demographic factors of potential research participants and personnel may be associated with patient consent rates to participate in prospective ophthalmic clinical studies. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included patients from an urban, academic hospital who were approached for consent to participate in prospective ophthalmic clinical studies conducted between January 2015 and December 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures Multivariable logistic regression assessing associations between patient and research personnel demographics and rates of affirmative consent to participate was used. Results In total, 1380 patients (mean [SD] age, 58.6 [14.9] years; 50.3% male) who were approached for consent to participate in 10 prospective ophthalmic clinical studies were included. Of prospective patients, 566 (43.5%) were Black; 327 (25.1%), Hispanic or Latino; 373 (28.6%), White; 36 (2.8%), other race and ethnicity; and 78 (5.8%) declined to answer. Black patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% CI, 0.24-0.44; P < .001) and Hispanic or Latino patients (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.20-0.47; P < .001) were less likely to consent compared with White patients. Patients with lower socioeconomic status were less likely to consent than patients with higher socioeconomic status (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.33-0.53; P < .001). Concordance between patient and research staff race and ethnicity was associated with increased odds of affirmative consent (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.99-3.73; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and those with lower socioeconomic status were less likely to participate in ophthalmic clinical studies. Concordance of race and ethnicity between patients and research staff was associated with improved participant enrollment. These findings underscore the importance of increasing diversity in clinical research teams to improve racial and ethnic representation in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashank Bains
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle
| | | | - Nayan Sanjiv
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cedrick Chiu
- Boston College, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Nicole H. Siegel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Crandall E. Peeler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alberto G. Distefano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hyunjoo J. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven Ness
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Manishi A. Desai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jenna R. Titelbaum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tony Pira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kara C. LaMattina
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen P. Christiansen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Howard J. Cabral
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Manju L. Subramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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LaMattina KC, Frick M, López M, Tártara A, Hurtado E, Schlaen A, Couto C. Epidemiology of Pediatric Uveitis in Argentina. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2023:1-5. [PMID: 37882185 DOI: 10.3928/1081597x-20230829-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the geographic variability of the epidemiology of pediatric uveitis, which, although rare in children, carries a significant risk of morbidity. METHODS This was a retrospective review conducted at two tertiary referral centers in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Demographic and clinical data of patients younger than 16 years diagnosed as having uveitis between January 1, 2006 and October 1, 2014 were collected. RESULTS A total of 257 patients (380 eyes) were included in the study. Cases tended to be unilateral (134, 52.1%), granulomatous (146, 56.8%), and localized to the posterior segment (121, 47.1%). Toxoplasmosis was the most common etiology (98, 38.1%). DISCUSSION The spectrum of pediatric uveitis in Buenos Aires most closely resembles that of Colombia. Understanding these geographic variations is important to aid providers who are caring for children in an increasingly globalized world. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 20XX;X(X):XX-XX.].
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Zeng R, LaMattina KC. Follow-Up Adherence After Community Health Vision Screening Programs: A Review of the Literature. J Acad Ophthalmol (2017) 2023; 15:e223-e231. [PMID: 37795383 PMCID: PMC10547536 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective Although the purpose of community eye screening programs is to reduce health care disparities, the effectiveness of these programs is limited by the follow-up adherence of their participants. The aim of this review is to investigate factors that may promote or hinder participants from attending follow-up ophthalmological exams after community eye screenings and identify interventions to increase follow-up rates. Methods For literature review, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Proquest/Global Health Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify studies of community eye screenings published between January 2000 and May 2023. Data from these articles were analyzed to identify barriers and facilitators of follow-up adherence after community eye screenings in the United States and to examine strategies used to increase follow-up rates. Only published manuscripts were included. We excluded studies of school screenings and clinic-based screenings. Results A total of 28 articles were included. Follow-up rates ranged from 12.5 to 89%. Nineteen articles reviewed facilitators and barriers to follow-up. Eighteen articles were non interventional and seven (see Table 1 and 2 , respectively) articles described interventions that were tested to improve follow-up rates after screening. Interventions included prescheduled appointments, transportation assistance, patient education, and patient navigators. Conclusion Several interventions are promising to increase follow-up adherence in community eye screenings, but more evidence is needed. Future research should focus on randomized trials of isolated interventions to improve follow-up adherence of disadvantaged populations, although this may be limited given ethical considerations and documented lack of follow-up after screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kara C. LaMattina
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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Bello NR, LaMattina KC, Minor JM, Utz VM, Dong K, Levin AV. The risk of uveitis due to prostaglandin analogs in pediatric glaucoma. J AAPOS 2022; 26:126.e1-126.e5. [PMID: 35550862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the incidence of uveitis in children prescribed prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) for glaucoma. METHODS In this dual-center cohort study, the medical records of consecutive patients <18 years old treated with a PGA between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with all forms of glaucoma, including those with a prior history of uveitis, were included. Patients who had been on a PGA prior to their first recorded visit were excluded. Patient charts were reviewed for new or recurrent uveitis during the first year of PGA therapy. RESULTS A total of 103 children (147 eyes) were included, with a total PGA exposure of 1,352 child-months. Ninety-eight children (142 eyes) tolerated the PGA without an episode of uveitis. Five patients with a documented prior history of uveitis experienced a unilateral episode of uveitis. A review of their medical records identified prescribed or unscheduled decrease in topical steroids or immunosuppressive medication as the most likely cause of uveitis recurrence. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further evidence that PGAs are unlikely to induce uveitis in children being treated for glaucoma and suggests that this may also be true in those with a history of uveitis. We are unable to evaluate whether PGAs make recurrence more likely or the tapering of steroids more difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Bello
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kara C LaMattina
- Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jade M Minor
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Virginia Miraldi Utz
- Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kaylin Dong
- Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alex V Levin
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Flaum Eye Institute, Pediatric Genetics, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York.
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Ponsetto MK, Siegel NH, Desai MA, LaMattina KC. Global Health Curricula in Ophthalmology Residency Programs in the United States. Journal of Academic Ophthalmology 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the design, content, and administration of global health curricula within ophthalmology residency programs in the United States (U.S.) and share the curriculum utilized in the Department of Ophthalmology at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM).
Design A survey designed through the Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology platform was emailed to residency program directors at 106 accredited ophthalmology residency programs.
Setting BUSM Department of Ophthalmology, Boston, MA. Tertiary clinical care.
Participants Twenty-eight ophthalmology residency program directors responded, which represent 26% of the total number of residency programs in the United States. Twenty-seven programs fully completed the survey, and one program partially completed the survey.
Results Of the respondents, three programs do not include global health curricula. The most common curricular elements included are: lectures (n = 15, 60%); wet laboratories (n = 10, 40%); and journal clubs (n = 9, 36%). In terms of annual frequency, global health activities occur: twice a year (n = 12, 46%); less than once a year (n = 10, 39%); or every few months (n = 4, 15%). Fewer than half of programs (n = 10, 42%) incorporate local outreach at least once a year into their program. Twelve programs (48%) do not incorporate ethics-related topics, while the 13 remaining programs (52%) incorporate them at least once annually. The most common curricular topic is surgical techniques, with manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) being the most frequently emphasized (n = 17, 68%).
Conclusion A robust global health curricula combined with a hands-on international component can contribute to a well-rounded training experience. Many ophthalmology residency programs value the importance of incorporating global health into their residents' training. The most common elements of global health curricula in U.S. ophthalmology residency programs included are teaching of surgical techniques for resource-limited settings and international electives. Further investigation into the impact of different components of a global health curriculum on both resident experience and international partnerships is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoko K. Ponsetto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicole H. Siegel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Manishi A. Desai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kara C. LaMattina
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Oke I, Loporchio DF, Siegel NH, Subramanian ML, LaMattina KC. Chorioretinal paracoccidioidomycosis treated with intravitreal voriconazole and therapeutic vitrectomy. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2021; 23:101187. [PMID: 34430756 PMCID: PMC8368784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2021.101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To report a case of aggressive chorioretinal paracoccidioidomycosis requiring treatment with systemic antifungal agents, frequent intravitreal voriconazole injections, and surgical excision. Observations A Brazilian man in his mid-30s with a history of chronic, biopsy-proven cutaneous paracoccidioidomycosis, chronic sinusitis, and perichondritis secondary to paracoccidioidomycosis presented with profound vision loss. He was found to have significant vitreous inflammation and a large chorioretinal lesion in the posterior pole concerning for ocular involvement. He was treated initially with combined topical and systemic steroids as well as systemic antifungals and antibiotics, then with serial intravitreal voriconazole injections resulting in a significant reduction of intraocular inflammation and subretinal fluid. The residual tractional retinal detachment from the chorioretinal lesion was addressed surgically by pars plana vitrectomy. Conclusion and importance Intravitreal voriconazole can be an effective adjuvant treatment for the vitreous inflammation and subretinal fluid associated with chorioretinal paracoccidioidomycosis. Surgical intervention may be indicated in cases complicated by tractional retinal detachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isdin Oke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dean F Loporchio
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole H Siegel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kara C LaMattina
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the accuracy of the red reflex test in the detection of anisometropia. STUDY DESIGN This prospective, single-masked study enrolled new patients younger than the age of 18 years who had not undergone pharmacologic pupillary dilation. A fellow who was masked to all clinical information illuminated both eyes with a direct ophthalmoscope in a darkened room from a distance of 1 m, assessing whether the red reflex between the 2 eyes was symmetric or asymmetric. The patient was then dilated, and cylcoplegic refraction was performed by an attending pediatric ophthalmologist. Exclusion criteria included the presence of strabismus, anisocoria, previous intraocular surgery, media opacity, leukocoria, or nystagmus. Sensitivity was compared with a null hypothesized value of 50% using a 1-sided binomial test. RESULTS Ninety-two patients with a mean age of 7.3 years (range 3 months to 16 years) were enrolled. With spherical anisometropia greater than or equal to 0.125 diopters, the sensitivity of the red reflex test was 90.6% and the specificity was 58.3%. With cylindrical anisometropia greater than or equal to 0.25 diopters, the sensitivity of the red reflex test was 81.3% and the specificity was 70%. Anisometropia greater than 1.5 diopters in spherical equivalent (4 patients, range -10.625 to -2.625) or cylinder (3 patients, range 1.75-2.25) was accurately detected by red reflex testing in each case. CONCLUSIONS The red reflex test can be an accurate screening tool to detect anisometropia when performed by an ophthalmologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara C LaMattina
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Aldo Vagge
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Leonard B Nelson
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
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LaMattina KC, Escott SM, Malalis JF, Mai D, Harada Y, Goldstein DA. The Influence of Race and Sex on the Side Effect Profile of Methotrexate in the Treatment of Uveitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018; 27:1160-1164. [DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2018.1498905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kara C. LaMattina
- Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah M. Escott
- Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Julia F. Malalis
- Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Mai
- Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Debra A. Goldstein
- Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adalimumab, an inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), is the only systemic non-corticosteroid agent which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis. Areas covered: The aim of this review is to summarize the research which demonstrated the effectiveness of adalimumab in the treatment of intraocular inflammation and helped to establish its side effect profile, ultimately leading to its FDA approval. Expert commentary: Adalimumab is a useful second-line agent in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis. While it is only approved in the United States for use in intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adults, I find it to be effective in off-label treatment of pediatric uveitis and scleritis as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara C LaMattina
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Debra A Goldstein
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , IL , USA
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LaMattina KC, Wirostko WJ, Costakos DM. Bilateral Acute Retinal Necrosis with Concurrent Retinopathy of Prematurity in Two Neonates. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2014; 24:115-7. [DOI: 10.3109/09273948.2014.916724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kara C. LaMattina
- John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Division of Ophthalmology, Chicago, Illinois, USA and
| | - William J. Wirostko
- The Eye Institute of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Deborah M. Costakos
- The Eye Institute of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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