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Biomedical subjects

Cristina Muccioli

Publications and source records attributed to Cristina Muccioli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Ocular manifestation in patients with tuberculosis].

PURPOSE: To analyze clinical findings of ocular tuberculosis and its epidemiological features. METHODS: Were reviewed clinical files of patients who attended the Ophthalmology-Uveitis and AIDS sector of UNIFESP-EPM, São Paulo, Brazil between January 1999 and July 2002 and had a diagnosis of ocular tuberculosis. Patients who had Mantoux test higher than 10 mm, epidemiological history of tuberculosis and ocular findings that improved after specific treatment were included. RESULTS: Seventeen medical files were analyzed, of those, 12 (70.6%) were females. The mean age was 54 (24-84) years. The average time between symptoms and diagnosis was 100 days. Ocular findings at the first interview were multiple but most were at the anterior segment of the eye and 41% of patients who had clinical findings that suggested tuberculosis other than ocular. Situations as glaucoma, retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage were responsible for reduction of visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular tuberculosis showed a low prevalence but important visual loosing morbidity. The multiplicity of clinical findings is responsible for the delay of diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Visual performance of AcrySof ReSTOR apodized diffractive IOL: a prospective comparative trial.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the visual performance of the AcrySof ReSTOR intraocular lens (IOL) and compare it with the monofocal SA60AT IOL. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, clinical trial. METHODS: Forty patients (80 eyes) from the Federal University of São Paulo were enrolled in two groups. Twenty-five patients were assigned to the ReSTOR group and 15 patients to the monofocal group. Inclusion criteria were corneal astigmatism <1.0 diopter, potential acuity meter >0.2 logMAR units, and no associated ocular diseases. Parameters analyzed included distance uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, near uncorrected and distance corrected visual acuity, intermediate visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson chart), stereopsis (Titmus test), reading speed, wavefront measurement (LADARWave aberrometer), and a quality-of-life questionnaire. main outcome measure: Distance and near uncorrected and best distance corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and reading speed. RESULTS: Distance uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity in the ReSTOR group were not statistically different from the monofocal group (P = .66). Near uncorrected and distance corrected visual acuity were statistically better in the ReSTOR group than the monofocal group (0.16 +/- 0.13 vs 0.62 +/- 0.09, P < .001, and 0.14 +/- 0.12 vs 0.62 +/- 0.07, P < .001, respectively). The ReSTOR group demonstrated less spherical aberrations compared with the monofocal group (P < .001). Monocular photopic contrast sensitivity was statistically lower in the ReSTOR group (P < .001). Stereopsis and reading speed were not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSION: The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL provides a satisfactory full range of vision and achieves a more satisfactory quality of life when compared with the monofocal SA60AT IOL, but with lower contrast sensitivity.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2006

Recently acquired Toxoplasma gondii infection, Brazil.

The city of Erechim, Brazil, has a 17% prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis, and type 1 Toxoplasma gondii predominates. To examine risk factors for acute T. gondii infection in this area, we administered a questionnaire to recently infected persons (n = 131) and seronegative controls (n = 110). Eating undercooked meat; having a garden; working in the garden or yard more than once per week; eating rare meat; eating cured, dried, or smoked meat; eating frozen lamb; and being male increased risk for T. gondii infection in univariate analysis. Risk factors independently associated with acute T. gondii infection in multivariate analysis were working in the garden (odds ratio [OR] 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-4.33) and eating frozen lamb (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.15-3.67). Among women (n = 86), having had children markedly increased the risk for T. gondii infection (OR 14.94, 95% CI 3.68-60.73).

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Genetic divergence of Toxoplasma gondii strains associated with ocular toxoplasmosis, Brazil.

Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis and the frequent occurrence of ocular disease in Brazil. To identify the genotypes of parasite strains associated with ocular disease, we compared 25 clinical and animal isolates of Toxoplasma gondii from Brazil to previously characterized clonal lineages from North America and Europe. Multilocus nested polymerase chain reaction analysis was combined with direct sequencing of a polymorphic intron to classify strains by phylogenetic methods. The genotypes of T. gondii strains isolated from Brazil were highly divergent when compared to the previously described clonal lineages. Several new predominant genotypes were identified from different regions of Brazil, including 2 small outbreaks attributable to foodborne or waterborne infection. These findings show that the genetic makeup of T. gondii is more complex than previously recognized and suggest that unique or divergent genotypes may contribute to different clinical outcomes of toxoplasmosis in different localities.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[The process of consent in clinical trials: from elaboration to accomplishment].

The consent form is a document recommended for international declarations, resolutions and specific laws currently used in research on health. The practice or the accomplishment of the informed consent in the exercise of the medicine and the research in human beings is pertains to the last decades and characterizes the perfectioning of biomedical ethics, constitutes a legal and ethical requirement in clinical research involving human beings. The main challenge of the consent process is to guarantee the adequate understanding of the individual, however the social, cultural and intellectual aspects as well as the relationship between physician and patient, sometimes, can affect this process. The purpose of this paper is to present important criteria in the consent process that need to be highlighted in accordance with specific tenets and resolutions, such as Resolution 196/96 of the National Council of Health.

Biomedical Research↗
PubMed2005

[Contrast sensitivity and stereopsis in pseudophakic patients with multifocal intraocular lens].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the contrast sensitivity and stereopsis tests in patients who underwent bilateral implantation of multifocal intraocular lens. METHODS: Tests of contrast sensitivity using the Pelli-Robson chart and stereopsis evaluation with the Titmus Stereo Test were performed in 20 patients 30-60 days after the bilateral implantation of Acrysof Restor multifocal intraocular lens. RESULTS: The binocular contrast sensitivity test demonstrated that 6 patients (30%) presented 1.80 log units, 13 (65%) 1.65 and in only 1 (5%) the sensitivity was 1.50 log units. By the other hand, the monocular test in right eye showed 17 patients (85%) with 1.65 log units and 3 (15%) with 1.50. In the left eye, the test presented 16 patients (80%) with 1.65 log units and 4 (20%) with 1.50 log units. The average and the standard deviation of the contrast sensitivity were 1.63 (+/-0.05) for right eye, 1.62 (+/-0.06) for left eye and 1.69 (+/-0.08) for binocular test. Stereopsis test disclosed 12 patients (60%) presenting 40", 6 (30%) 50" and only 2 (10%) 60" (average: 45" and standard deviation: 6.88"). CONCLUSIONS: The Acrysof Restor intraocular lens provided results of contrast sensitivity and stereopsis in accordance with the criteria of normality established previously in other studies for phakic and pseudophakic patients. Therefore, this intraocular lens does not decrease visual functionality.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

[Treatment of acute retinal necrosis: systematic review].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify, according to an systematic review, the best treatment for acute retinal necrosis. METHODS: Following the methodologic guidance of the Cochrane Collaboration and its editorial subgroup "Eye and Vision Group", using search strategy for study identification, articles about the treatment of acute retinal necrosis were selected. RESULTS: 146 bibliographic references were selected, 13 studies were considered relevant. Among them 2 were considered to follow the inclusion criteria. The first study tested the possibility of using intravenous acyclovir associated with corticosteroids, protecting contralateral eye from being affected. Fifty-four patients who reported unilateral acute retinal necrosis have been studied, 31 treated and 23 not treated, the disease occurring in the contralateral eye in 12.9% of the patients of the treated group and in 69.5% of the patients in the non-treated group. The second study considered treatment with photocoagulation with argon laser to prevent retinal detachment, that was observed in 57.1% of the eyes. The second included study disclosed 19 eyes affected by acute retinal necrosis, considering that 12 of these eyes were treated with photocoagulation with argon laser to prevent retinal detachment. Among the 12 eyes, 2 developed retinal detachment (16.6%) while, in the non-treated group, 7 eyes, 4 developed retinal detachment (57.1%). CONCLUSION: The author concludes that both types of proposed interventions have proven to be effective. However, once the mentioned studies are methodologically considered weak, it is necessary to perform randomized clinical trials with the purpose of establishing the most suitable treatment for acute retinal necrosis.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed2005

[Teleophthalmology as an auxiliary approach for the diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory ocular diseases: evaluation of an asynchronous method of consultation].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of teleophthalmology as an auxiliary approach for diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory ocular diseases and to study the main problems associated with the conclusion reached by consultation. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty three 35 mm slides (retinography or biomicroscopy photos) were digitalized and stored in a Compact Disc to be later analyzed in a computer monitor by two consultants, specialists in uveitis. The consultants filled out a form and a questionnaire, indicating the diagnosis and probable treatment for the analyzed cases also the main difficulties found to reach a conclusion of the consultation. The Kappa statistic, an assessment of the change-corrected agreement (reproducibility) among consultants, was calculated. Kappa values of > 0.7 indicated excellent agreement; values between 0.4 and 0.7 indicated fair to good agreement and values of < 0.4 indicated poor agreement. RESULTS: Agreement between the consultants and the final diagnosis was of 73.5%. Treatment suggestion or management was not possible in 8% of the cases for consultant A and in 10.4% for consultant B. The higher agreement rate among consultants, relating to the reasons that rendered diagnosis difficult, was found in relation to "lack of clinical data" and "low quality of images". CONCLUSION: Teleophthalmology, through the asynchronous method, was an efficient means for diagnosis of patients with infectious and inflammatory ocular diseases. The main problems affecting the teleophthalmology consultation were lack of detailed clinical data and low quality of the images.

Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological↗
PubMed2005

Pseudohypopyon immediately after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide--case reports.

Report on the development of pseudohypopyon immediately after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TAAC). Two phakic patients presenting with a transient pseudohypopyon after having been treated with intravitreal triamcinolone. One had a clinically significant macular edema with cystoid component (CSME with CMS) and the other, active Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) with serous retinal detachment of the macula. One eye from each patient developed a pseudohypopyon with crystal deposits adherent to the corneal endothelium. In one case it appeared right after the injection and disappeared spontaneously in 24 hours. In the other patient it appeared on day 3 and disappeared also spontaneously within 2 days. The pseudohypopyon is an important sign that can be observed after intravitreal injection of TAAC, in phakic patients, with spontaneous resolution and without complication. The pseudohypopyon caused by the deposition of TAAC in the anterior chamber immediately after its injection into the vitreous should be differentiated from other forms of hypopyon associated with this type of treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The involvement of autoimmunity against retinal antigens in determining disease severity in toxoplasmosis.

PURPOSE: Ocular lesions are frequent in various individuals infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Disease intensity in ocular toxoplasmosis varies greatly between patients. Autoimmunity has been suggested as a possible component to retinal destruction. METHODS: Immunologic parameters in the response to retina antigens were evaluated in infected persons with and without ocular lesions and in non-infected controls. Subjects were divided into groups on the basis of titers of serum antibodies to T. gondii, presence and severity of ocular lesions, and clinical history. RESULTS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with mild disease responded to one or more retinal antigens with a significantly higher frequency than patients without disease or with severe disease. Interestingly, the cytokines produced by the proliferating mononuclear cells did not follow any specific patterns, except for the fact that IL-4 and IL-5 were seldom detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that although the presence of an immune response towards autoantigens is not protective against the development of ocular lesions by the T. gondii, it may protect against the development of severe disease.

Antigens↗
PubMed2005

The genotype of Toxoplasma gondii strains causing ocular toxoplasmosis in humans in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To determine Toxoplasma gondii genotype in scars of retinochoroiditis in humans. DESIGN: Immunopathology analysis. METHODS: DNA was isolated from retinochoroidal specimens taken from the borders of the scars from eye bank eyes as well as enucleated eyes from uveitis patients with retinochoroidal toxoplasmic scars. The SAG2 region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: Of the 92 eyes studied, 9 had toxoplasmic scars. All of them, as well as the 2 enucleated eyes, disclosed the presence of type I parasites by the gel electrophoresis analysis of the restriction fragment length polymorphism from SAG2. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that type I strain seems to be responsible for the ocular infections in the population studied.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Cystoid macular edema in gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina: a fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography evaluation.

PURPOSE: To analyze the importance f optical coherence tomography (OCT) to diagnose the cystoid macular edema in a case of gyrate atrophy. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 12-year-old boy presenting with gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina underwent ophthalmologic, clinical, and laboratory tests. RESULTS: Plasma ornithine level was 735 mumol/l. Fluorescein angiography showed bilateral hyperfluorescence involving the central region of the macula. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) disclosed bilateral intraretinal cysts areas of low reflectivity with occasional high-signal elements bridging the retinal layers and intraretinal thickening. CONCLUSIONS: Both fluorescein angiography and OCT were helpful to confirm the diagnosis of macular involvement as a complication of gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina in a patient who presented without any clinical evidence of cystoid macular edema, except a decrease in visual acuity.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Specific antibody levels in the aqueous humor and serum of two distinct populations of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis.

The population of Erechim, Southern Brazil, is characterized by a high incidence of ocular toxoplasmosis, which is presumed to be of acquired origin. We wished to compare the local specific humoral immune response of individuals from this region with that of Swiss patients suffering from the same disease. Paired samples of aqueous humor and serum were withdrawn from 27 Brazilian and 50 Swiss patients presenting consecutively with active ocular toxoplasmosis. The total and specific levels of IgG in each of these were determined. The populations did not differ with respect either to age or sex. The serum levels of total IgG in Brazilian (10.8 g/l) and Swiss patients (11.1 g/l) were similar (p = 0.499), but the aqueous humor ones were higher in the former group (95 vs. 20 mg/l; p = 0.0001). The systemic and local levels of specific IgG were likewise higher in Brazilian patients [206 i.u. vs. 72 i.u. (p = 0.001) and 14 i.u. vs. 4 i.u. (p = 0.005), respectively] and the number of individuals without detectable levels of local specific IgG was correspondingly lower (11% vs. 54%; p = 0.0005). The Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (an index of local specific antibody production) did not differ between Brazilian and Swiss patients (2.1 vs. 0.08, respectively; p = 0.107). Our findings are indicative of a more pronounced uveovascular barrier breakdown in Brazilians than in Swiss patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis. That the systemic and local specific immune response is weaker in Swiss than in Brazilian patients has not been hitherto documented. This finding may reflect differences in the immunological handling of the infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Extranodal B-cell lymphoma of the uvea: a case report.

CASE REPORT: Ocular involvement by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare condition that can result from a primary intraocular lymphoma of the retina or an intraocular manifestation of systemic lymphoma. Uveal involvement is seldom the initial manifestation of extranodal lymphoma. We describe an 80-year-old patient with a blind and painful left eye and a history of recurrent uveitis. After ultrasound evaluation, the eye was enucleated and histopathologic examination revealed a malignant B-cell lymphoma of the uveal tract. The patient has been followed for 8 years after surgery, but she has had no further systemic manifestations of lymphoma and has not required subsequent treatment. COMMENTS: Primary extranodal lymphoma can be easily mistaken for recurrent uveitis or primary intraocular lymphoma of the retina and central nervous system; it is a differential diagnosis to be considered in cases of recurrent uveitis-like symptoms evolving to blind painful eye.

Aged, 80 and over↗
PubMed2005

Cytokine profile in response to Cytomegalovirus associated with immune recovery syndrome after highly active antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Several changes have occurred in the presentation and course of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS since the introduction of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy). In some individuals who take HAART, retinitis is kept under control even after the discontinuation of anti-CMV therapy. However, many of these patients develop intraocular inflammation. Uveitis, cataract, vitreitis, cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membrane, and disc edema may occur in patients with immune recovery syndrome (IRS). METHODS: We evaluated the CMV-specific immune response in 55 patients by assessing CMV-specific lymphocyte proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production and correlated it with the clinical outcome. RESULTS: Our data suggest that control of CMV retinitis is associated with acquisition of cytotoxic and lymphoproliferative responses to CMV. In addition, the upsurge of macular and disc edema seems associated with the production of interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, whereas vitreitis is associated with the production of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma. INTERPRETATION: The type of T-cell response that develops after HAART may determine the side effects of immune recovery and these effects are predictable based on the lymphokine profile produced by CMV-specific cells.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗