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Biomedical subjects

Ciro Costagliola

Publications and source records attributed to Ciro Costagliola.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Effect of 2% dorzolamide on retinal blood flow: a study on juvenile primary open-angle glaucoma patients already receiving 0.5% timolol.

AIM: To investigate whether dorzolamide modifies peripapillary retinal haemodynamics in juvenile primary open-angle glaucoma (JPOAG) patients treated with timolol. METHODS: In 40 JPOAG subjects, before and after dorzolamide coadministration with timolol, the following examinations were achieved: intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure (BP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), heart rate (HR), visual field and retinal flowmetry. RESULTS: Adjunctive therapy with dorzolamide induced the following modifications: IOP reduction [1.75 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23, 2.26; P < 0.05], OPP increase (5.09 mmHg, 95% CI 2.97, 7.20; P < 0.02) and retinal blood flow improvement (35.0 arbitrary units, 95% CI 12.20, 57.80; P < 0.03). BP, HR and visual field indices did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Dorzolamide, in association or in fixed combination with timolol, significantly improves retinal blood flow in JPOAG patients.

Adolescent↗

Nimesulide oral administration increases the intraocular pressure-lowering effect of latanoprost in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To verify the short-term influence of an orally administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of primary open-angle glaucoma patients in therapy with a topical prostaglandin analog. DESIGN: Randomized cross-over double-blind study. METHODS: Sixteen adults with primary open-angle glaucoma, receiving 0.005% latanoprost eyedrops once daily, were treated with a single dose of either 100 mg nimesulide or placebo. IOP was recorded at baseline and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours. RESULTS: After nimesulide administration, there was a decrease in IOP (with a fall at the second hour, P<.01) that remained significant 8 hours later (P<.05). At 12 and 24 hours, there were unremarkable IOP differences between the two regimens. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, single-dose nimesulide significantly enhances the latanoprost-induced IOP-lowering effects during the short plasma half-life of this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Administration, Oral↗

The influence of diclofenac ophthalmic solution on the intraocular pressure-lowering effect of topical 0.5% timolol and 0.005% latanoprost in primary open-angle glaucoma patients.

The aim of this randomized, prospective, masked clinical study has been to verify the influence of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ophthalmic solution on intraocular pressure reduction induced by 0.5% timolol and 0.005% latanoprost eyedrops in patients affected by primary open-angle glaucoma. Thirty-two glaucomatous patients, compensated with 0.5% timolol, were randomized into two study groups (A and B). Timolol was continued for the first 2 weeks in all subjects. On the 15th day, in both groups timolol was replaced by latanoprost, and this regimen lasted up to the end of the follow-up (8 weeks). At the beginning of the 2nd week of the study, group A additionally started a 5-week therapy with topical 0.1% diclofenac; during the same period, group B received placebo eyedrops with identical modalities. Intraocular pressure was recorded at 7-day intervals during the first 7 weeks and at the 10th week. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and placebo did not modify the effect of timolol on intraocular pressure. In both groups, latanoprost induced a significant decrease in intraocular pressure. Diclofenac-treated patients exhibited a marked fall in intraocular pressure (p<0.01), whereas in placebo-treated patients, this diminution was less noticeable (p<0.05). After diclofenac withdrawal, in group A intraocular pressure significantly increased (p<0.01), remaining approximately at the same level up to the end of the study. In group B, at the same checks no significant variations in intraocular pressure occurred. In primary open-angle glaucoma patients, diclofenac significantly enhances the hypotensive effect of latanoprost, without influence on timolol efficacy. Because non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely employed in medical practice, supplementary ophthalmologic checks should be scheduled during the co-administration of these compounds and prostaglandin analogues.

Administration, Topical↗

Endogenous Aspergillus versicolor endophthalmitis in an immuno-competent HIV-positive patient.

A 25-year-old white, HIV-positive, immuno-competent man was referred to us because of a progressive blurred vision in his right eye. Clinical characteristics were suggestive for an unilateral fungal endophthalmitis, and thereby fluconazole firstly, followed by conventional amphotericin B were intravenously administered, without any significant improvement. Thus, a pars plana vitrectomy was performed. Aspergillus versicolor was isolated from the cultures of the vitreous sample and intravenous liposomal amphotericin B was administered. An increase of visual acuity together with a reduction of vitreous inflammation occurred. This case of ours represents the first report describing an endogenous endophthalmitis induced by Aspergillus versicolor.

Adult↗

Prevalence of factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism in patients affected by spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: To verify the prevalence of Val34Leu polymorphism in factor XIII A-chain gene (FXIII Val34Leu) in patients with spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH). DESIGN: Nonrandomized case-control study. METHODS: One hundred seven white patients suffering from one or more episodes of idiopathic SCH and 107 healthy subjects were matched for age and gender, and genotyped for FXIII Val34Leu. Anamnestic, ophthalmologic, cardiovascular, and serologic examinations were performed. RESULTS: Frequency of FXIII mutated allele (Leu34) was significantly higher in SCH patients than in controls. Computing together heterozygotes (Val/Leu) and homozygotes (Leu/Leu), genotype distribution was statistically different. In a conditional logistic regression model, the comparison of the three separated genotypes, performed among 25 patients with recurrent idiopathic SCHs and controls, gave significant differences for both Val/Leu and Leu/Leu variables. CONCLUSION: Both homozygosity and heterozygosity for FXIII Val34Leu predispose to idiopathic SCH, emphasizing the role of Leu34 allele as inherited risk factor for spontaneous, especially recurrent, SCHs.

Adolescent↗

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma associated with bilateral atypical acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) is a malignant neoplasm frequently associated with an increase in circulating immune complexes (CIC). Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is a disease involving the chorioretinal structures of the eye, and it is commonly observed in association with several immunogenic disorders. We report here the clinical association between humoral immunologic modifications during tumoral diseases (long-standing CIC increase) and chorioretinal changes resembling atypical APMPPE. CASE REPORT: A 52-year-old white male affected by metastatic CCRCC is described. Histopathologic review of his surgically removed organs (kidney and lung), periodical laboratory immunologic tests and ophthalmologic examinations, including fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies, were performed. RESULTS: The patient underwent total left nephrectomy (May 1997) and total left pneumonectomy (March 2001) for the presence of stage III CCRCC and CCRCC lung metastasis, respectively. On both occasions, postoperative immunotherapy was started. From June 1997 to February 2003, laboratory analyses demonstrated the presence of marked CIC peaks. During the follow-up period, an atypical APMPPE pattern, complicated by asynchronous choroidal neovascularization, occurred in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Long-standing tumorous disease, through a pathogenic mechanism triggered by CIC spreading, can be responsible, over time, for a progressive choroidal occlusive microangiopathy (atypical APMPPE pattern), associated with a high risk of poor visual outcome. Therefore, bilateral APMPPE could be related to a systemic disease able to increase CIC levels.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

SSRIs and intraocular pressure modifications: evidence, therapeutic implications and possible mechanisms.

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs, in part because of their favourable safety profile compared with older antidepressants. However, the widespread use of SSRIs leads to an increased occurrence of rare adverse effects. This review, based on data from published experimental research, clinical studies and case reports, describes the role of serotonin in the control of intraocular pressure (IOP) and the evidence for IOP modifications in patients receiving SSRIs. In a small percentage of patients with depression, the cause of SSRI withdrawal has been the occurrence of ill-defined visual disturbances. It can be speculated that in some of these patients, the iatrogenic ocular alterations could have been due to changes in IOP. There have also been a limited number of case reports of acute attacks of glaucoma occurring during treatment with SSRIs. Although causality is not exactly specified, the relationship between SSRIs and this ocular adverse event is strongly implied. Nevertheless, in a small clinical study assessing the effect of a single dose of fluoxetine on IOP, the drug was shown to increase this parameter, although the effect was asymptomatic. The clinical signs of unexpected adverse drug effects are often disregarded, with the exception of those characterised by serious symptoms (such as acute angle-closure glaucoma in the case of IOP modifications). Also, the distribution of iridocorneal angle configurations in the general population implies that an adverse effect on IOP will be pauci- or asymptomatic in most patients (intermittent, sub-acute or progressive angle-closure glaucoma). As a result, it is likely that the incidence of SSRI-related IOP modifications is underestimated. Until the involvement of SSRIs in IOP modifications is better understood, ophthalmological consultations should be considered before starting and during treatment with any SSRI in patients with glaucomatous risk factors, especially those who are elderly.

Animals↗

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency associated with bilateral keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To report a clinical association between congenital adrenal hyperplasia and keratoconus. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: Two 25-year-old dizygotic female twins were retrospectively studied. Clinical history, hormonal serologic profile, complete ophthalmologic examination, and Holladay Diagnostic Summary variables were evaluated. In the course of a 15-month follow-up period, a progression of the corneal disease was observed. RESULTS: In both twins a diagnosis of nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, was established when they were 21 years old. In one subject, the computed corneal topographic analyses diagnosed an asymmetric keratoconus in both eyes. A progressive form of fruste central keratoconus was also documented in her sister. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia may be associated with keratoconus. An abnormal steroidogenic pathway, affecting the normal development of the cornea, could induce stromal abnormalities that lead to corneal ectasia.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗

Assessing the cost-effectiveness of switching from a beta-blocker to latanoprost in the treatment of ocular hypertension.

Glaucoma is a pathological condition whose most important risk factor is increased intraocular pressure (IOP). The medical treatment of glaucoma essentially consists of compounds that are able to decrease the IOP. The compounds discussed in this review act in a different way, beta-blockers mainly inhibit the production of aqueous humor, whereas latanoprost decreases the resistance in the outflow channels. beta-Blockers are compounds with a well-known efficacy and safety profile and they are fairly inexpensive. Their systemic and local side effects are mainly cardiovascular and pulmonary adverse events, dry eye and keratopathy. Latanoprost, which has recently been introduced into the market, has been shown to be equally as effective, or better in lowering IOP in patients than timolol, although it is more expensive. Systemic reported side effects are anecdotal; local hyperaemia, keratopathy, hypertrichosis, increased pigmentation of eyelashes and iris, uveitis and cystoid macular oedema have been reported. A comparison of costs reveals that a 1-year therapy with timolol ophthalmic solution starts from 11.00 Euros and can reach 146.00 Euros for the most expensive preservative-free 1-day dispenser packages (approximately 13.5 times higher). For latanoprost once-daily administration, the cost for 1 years therapy is 98.55 Euros, approximately six times higher than generic or brand 0.5% timolol applied twice-daily. What are the factors influencing a change in therapy from beta-blockers to latanoprost? The only good reason is represented by a further deterioration in the visual field. This may occur, despite a significant reduction in IOP, because the reached IOP is not sufficient enough to avoid further deterioration because the patient's work or social activities do not allow a correct daily dosage of the compound (bad compliance); or as a result of treatment suspension, because of the development of systemic and/or local side effects. Changes in therapy must always be related to a failing control of the disease, as any therapeutic modification leading to an increase in the number of visits and additional examinations, consequently enhances the costs.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Effect of 0.005% latanoprost once daily on intraocular pressure in glaucomatous patients not adequately controlled by beta-blockers twice daily: a 3-year follow-up. Experience and incidence of side effects in a prospective study on 76 patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and side effects of 0.005% latanoprost once daily during 3 years of treatment in glaucomatous patients in whom intraocular pressure (IOP) was not adequately controlled by beta-blockers twice daily. METHODS: An unmasked prospective study was performed on 76 glaucomatous patients (145 eyes) treated with 0.005% latanoprost at bedtime, after a 21-day wash-out period from beta-blockers. IOP measurement and visual field examination were recorded over the follow-up period. RESULTS: Latanoprost significantly reduced IOP from 26.5+/-6.6 mmHg (mean +/- SD) to 17.4+/-2.7 mmHg after 36 months of treatment in 48 patients (63.1%), who completed the trial. Twenty-eight patients (36.8%) discontinued the therapy. In 12 patients (15.8%) the treatment did not obtain a satisfactory target IOP. In two subjects (2.6%), despite the IOP reduction, visual field damage progressed. The remaining 10 patients (13.1%) discontinued the treatment because of the following side effects: microfollicular conjunctivitis (seven cases); severe oedema of conjunctiva and eyelids (one case); corneal punctate erosion (one case); cystoid macular oedema (one case). No flare or pigmentary changes of iris and eyelash were observed. CONCLUSION: Latanoprost 0.005% once daily significantly reduces IOP in the majority of glaucomatous patients uncontrolled by beta-blockers. The reduction of IOP was statistically significant during 3 years of follow-up, confirming the clinical efficacy of this compound. The ocular side effects requiring cessation of therapy were mainly allergic reactions. The most severe adverse effects were one case of corneal punctate erosion and one case of cystoid macular oedema in a pseudophakic patient.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Mesectodermal leiomyoma exclusively involving the posterior choroid.

PURPOSE: To report a mesectodermal leiomyoma of the posterior choroid. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 23-year-old man was referred to us because of a progressive blurred vision in his left eye. Ophthalmologic examination revealed the presence of a 12 x 10 x 7.2-mm amelanotic choroidal mass in his left posterior pole. Fluorescein angiography, A-scan ultrasonography, and B-scan echography findings were suggestive for a diagnosis of choroidal amelanotic melanoma. These clinical features prompted us to enucleate the left eye. RESULTS: Histopathological and immunohistochemistry examinations established a definitive diagnosis of mesectodermal leiomyoma of the posterior choroid. CONCLUSION: This case represents the first report describing the occurrence of an intraocular mesectodermal leiomyoma that may exclusively involve the posterior choroid.

Adult↗

Recurrent episodes of spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage in patients with factor XIII Val34Leu mutation.

PURPOSE: To report on the occurrence of frequent episodes of spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) in patients with the Leu 34 allele of the coagulation factor XIII (FXIII), known to be associated with high hemorrhagic risk. DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: Five young adults who had suffered from recurrent idiopathic SCH not associated with any recognized ocular and systemic hemorrhagic risk factor were investigated. Accurate anamnestic, ophthalmologic, hematologic, and serologic examinations were performed, together with blood pressure measurements, electrocardiogram (ECG), and 24-hour Holter ECG recordings. FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism was studied by DNA chain polymerase reaction. RESULTS: DNA analyses showed that the hemorrhagic mutated Leu34 allele was present in four of our selected patients: two mutated homozygotes (Leu/Leu) and two heterozygotes (Val/Leu). In the last subject this polymorphism was not detected. All the other clinical evaluations did not disclose any significant abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: The FXIII Val34Leu mutation may be associated with an increased risk for spontaneous episodes of SCH.

Adult↗

Ocular perfusion pressure and visual field indice modifications induced by alpha-agonist compound (clonidine 0.125%, apraclonidine 1.0% and brimonidine 0.2%) topical administration. An acute study on primary open-angle glaucoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the acute effects of alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist eyedrop administration on visual field parameters and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in patients affected by primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: A prospective, randomized double-blind study was carried out. Sixty-four glaucomatous subjects were enrolled in the clinical trial and subsequently separated into four study groups, of 16 patients each, to compare the systemic and ocular effects of placebo, clonidine 0.125%, apraclonidine 1.0% and brimonidine 0.2%. RESULTS: No significant variations in the ocular or systemic parameters were observed after placebo administration. All the alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist compounds induced a significant reduction of the intraocular pressure. Clonidine induced significant modifications of mean blood pressure, OPP and visual field indices. The acute administration of apraclonidine did not affect both mean blood pressure and OPP, but a worsening of the visual field was nevertheless recorded. The analyzed parameters did not significantly vary after brimonidine instillation. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings demonstrate that the lack of effects on the blood flow and the absence of vasomotor activity at the level of the posterior pole exhibited by brimonidine is related to its alpha-2 selectivity, as appears by comparing this compound with the other alpha-agonists available for the management of glaucoma.

Administration, Topical↗