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Biomedical subjects

Itamar Klemperer

Publications and source records attributed to Itamar Klemperer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Broth culture yield vs traditional approach in the work-up of endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To elucidate whether the Bactec Peds Plus F broth traditionally used for culturing body fluids in pediatric departments can also be used for vitreous cultures in cases with clinically suspected endophthalmitis, and to compare yields between this method and the traditional method. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative clinical trial. METHODS: All consecutive cases with clinically suspected endophthalmitis treated in our institution between July 2003 and November 2005 were included in the study. All cases were cultured both in the Bactec Peds Plus F broth and using the traditional method. RESULTS: Thirteen cases were included in this study. The overall growth rate for the Bactec broth was 28.4% higher than the traditional method (69.2% and 53.9%, respectively, P = .48). In two cases, one of acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis due to Streptococcus mitis and one of delayed-onset postoperative endophthalmitis attributable to Candida albicans, there was positive growth only in the Bactec broth. CONCLUSIONS: The Bactec Peds Plus F broth can be used successfully in the examination of clinically suspected endophthalmitis. The method appears to have several advantages over the traditional method: time-savings, as only one medium needs to be inoculated, transportation to the laboratory is simpler as there is no need for immediate incubation, and there is no need to maintain a supply of fresh agar media. This method is especially suitable for office settings and remote clinics, but also can be used in hospital settings, as an adjunct, to increase the growth yield.

Adolescent↗

Artisan phakic intraocular lens for correcting high myopia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety indexes and efficacy of Artisan phakic intraocular lens (IOL) for the correction of high myopia. METHODS: Retrospective interventional case series reports. Thirty-one eyes (22 patients) with myopia from -5.25 to -19.00 diopters underwent implantation of an Artisan phakic IOL. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. The following parameters were recorded: manifest refraction, slit-lamp examination, applanation tonometry, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), complications or adverse reactions. The primary variable was the refractive outcome at 3 months. Secondary variables were change in BSCVA, and efficacy and safety indexes. RESULTS: At 3 months, mean spherical equivalent was -0.50 +/- 0.36 diopters (range, -1.25 - plano). In 29 eyes (93.5%) UCVA was 6/12 or better; the other three eyes had UCVA of 6/15. The difference between preoperative and 1 week postoperative BSCVA was not statistically significant (p = 0.25). Comparison of BSCVA at 1 week and at 1 month was statistically significant (p = 0.05); this difference was even more significant at 3 months (p = 0.01). The BSCVA remained the same or improved for all the eyes. BSCVA for 20 eyes (64.5%) had improved one or more lines in visual acuity. Mean endothelial cell loss at 3 months was 3.96%. CONCLUSION: The Artisan lens is a safe, predictable, and efficacious method to correct high myopia. Postoperative gain in BSCVA was achieved for the majority of eyes. Future study to assess safety indexes and risk of complications is required with long-term follow-up.

Adult↗

Rapid spontaneous resolution of vitreomacular traction syndrome documented by optical coherence tomography.

A 48-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of metamorphopsia and reduced vision in her left eye. Visual acuity was 20/30 OS. Slit lamp biomicroscopy fundus evaluation revealed a dull foveal reflex. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed attachment of the posterior hyaloid to the macula and significant macular elevation. One month after presentation, visual complaints disappeared. OCT revealed complete posterior vitreous detachment and normal foveal thickness. Although rare, rapid spontaneous resolution of vitreomacular traction syndrome can occur. OCT is a helpful diagnostic tool for following these patients.

Female↗

Anterior chamber gas bubbles after corneal flap creation with a femtosecond laser.

A 48-year-old woman had bilateral wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia with IntraLase corneal flap creation. In the right eye the cavitation bubbles were observed not only in the interface between the flap and the corneal bed but also in the anterior chamber disappearing after 30 minutes. After the procedure, uncorrected visual acuity is 20/25 in both eyes; and specular microscopy shows normal hexagonal cells and density. Although no postoperative complications were observed in our case, further follow-up is needed to examine the long-term effect of this phenomenon of IntraLase.

Anterior Chamber↗

Punctate inner choroidopathy: resolution after oral steroid treatment and review of the literature.

CASE REPORT: A case of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) that resolved after oral steroid treatment is described. The 25-year-old female patient presented with reduced visual acuity of several days duration. Results of fundus examination, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography were consistent with PIC with a small choroidal neovascularization lesion nasal to the fovea. Visual acuity improved significantly after several days on oral steroid treatment. COMMENTS: Although spontaneous resolution of the lesions can occur without any treatment, oral steroids in PIC may help achieve improved vision more rapidly. The clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic modalities of this rare entity are discussed.

Administration, Oral↗

[Outcome of combined penetrating keratoplasty with vitreoretinal surgery using temporary Eckardt keratoprosthesis].

BACKGROUND: For the adequate management of vitreoretinal pathology, good visualization through a clear cornea is needed to permit proper surgical repair. However, an opaque cornea, precludes this necessary visualization and makes posterior segment surgery impossible. Temporary keratoprosthesis facilitates visualization of intraocular structures in eyes that might otherwise be inoperable due to corneal opacities. AIM: To report the effectiveness of a combined procedure (pars plana vitrectomy with temporary Eckardt keratoprosthesis, vitreoretinal surgery, and penetrating keratoplasty) and to assess the functional outcome of eyes undergoing these procedures. METHODS: Six eyes from six consecutive patients operated on between 2001 and 2004 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, and followed-up for at least 6 months, were evaluated retrospectively. The evaluation focused on ocular history, visual acuity (VA), anatomical outcome and complications. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 26 months. Prior to the operation, the most frequent diagnosis in the anterior segment was corneal scar in 4 eyes (67%). In the posterior segment, the most frequent diagnosis was retinal detachment in 5 eyes (83%). Preoperative VA was full light perception or less in all eyes. In five cases (83%), final postoperative VA was 6/240 or better. The corneal graft remained clear in five cases (83%). The retina remained attached in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Combined corneal and retinal procedures using temporary keratoprosthesis are a safe and efficacious way of managing complicated corneal and retinal disease. These methods can preserve ambulatory vision and improve the quality of life of patients. Visual prognosis is usually limited due to the primary ocular disease.

Adult↗

Artisan aphakic intraocular lens in children with subluxated crystalline lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of Artisan (Ophtec) aphakic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children with idiopathic subluxated lenses. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel. METHODS: This retrospective small case series comprised 4 eyes (3 children) with idiopathic essential subluxated lenses that had lens washout, lens capsule removal, Artisan IOL implantation, and peripheral iridectomy. The indications for surgery were reduced visual acuity and monocular diplopia. The main outcome measures were postoperative refraction and change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: The postoperative follow-up ranged from 8 to 10 months. After surgery, the BCVA was 6/12 or better in the 3 cases that could be recorded. Visual acuity improved by 2 or more Snellen lines in all 4 eyes. The postoperative spherical equivalent was within +/-1.00 diopter in all cases. No significant postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In 4 eyes with a subluxated crystalline lens, implantation of an Artisan aphakic IOL improved visual acuity. Studies with a larger number of patients and longer follow-up are necessary to confirm these results.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia in eyes after retinal detachment surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of myopia in eyes with previous retinal detachment surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all consecutive eyes that underwent LASIK after retinal detachment surgery. Data was collected regarding previous ocular surgery and its time prior to LASIK, intra- and postoperative complications, and visual outcome measures pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Ten eyes with previous retinal detachment surgery were scheduled for LASIK. One eye was excluded from data analysis as LASIK was aborted due to inadequate microkeratome suction because of conjunctival scarring. Nine eyes underwent an uneventful LASIK procedure. On average, LASIK was performed 130+/-123 months following retinal detachment surgery. Postoperative LASIK follow-up was 14.8+/-12.5 months. No significant intraoperative, postoperative, or retinal complications were observed. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -9.00+/-3.00 diopters (D), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.06+/-0.02, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 0.64+/-0.16. At the end of follow-up, the mean spherical equivalent refraction was 0.65+/-0.88 D, mean UCVA was 0.57+/-0.14, and mean BSCVA was 0.72+/-0.19. Differences between BSCVA before and after LASIK were statistically significant (P=.038). At final follow-up, the safety index was 1.22 and efficacy index was 1.01. CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis was found to be a safe and efficient option for treating refractive errors in eyes with previous retinal detachment surgery.

Adult↗

Herpes simplex virus keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Interventional small case series. Two patients underwent uneventful LASIK. History of herpes labialis in one patient and herpetic eye disease > 10 years prior to intervention in the other patient was reported. Both patients developed stromal herpetic keratitis 6 weeks and 2 years after the procedure, respectively. RESULTS: Treatment consisting of topical steroid drops and topical and systemic antiviral therapy was administered. Recurrences of the herpetic keratitis were seen after tapering of the topical steroids; four and three recurrences were observed, respectively. Final visual acuity was > 6/9 in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Herpetic keratitis after LASIK is an uncommon, possibly under-reported, entity. Even patients without history of herpetic eye disease can present with this complication. Oral antiviral prophylaxis may be appropriate when performing LASIK on patients with a history of ocular or systemic HSV infection.

Acyclovir↗

Late bilateral keratectasia after LASIK in a low myopic patient.

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of late bilateral ectasia developing after LASIK for low myopia without preoperative risk factors. METHODS: A 21-year-old man underwent bilateral uneventful LASIK for low myopia of -2.75 diopters in both eyes. Preoperative corneal pachymetry was 531 microm in the right eye and 526 microm in the left eye. The total ablation depth was 46.8 microm in the right eye and 42.2 microm in the left eye. Preoperative corneal topography was normal and did not reveal forme fruste keratoconus. RESULTS: Twenty-four months postoperatively, the patient developed bilateral inferior keratectasia of +0.50 -3.00 x 72 degrees in the right eye and +1.00 -2.75 x 99 degrees in the left eye. CONCLUSIONS: Late keratectasia may follow LASIK for low myopia despite a thorough preoperative work-up.

Adult↗

Two cases of pneumococcal keratitis following myopic LASIK.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of pneumococcal keratitis after LASIK. METHODS: Retrospective interventional small case series of two patients who underwent bilateral LASIK for myopia and developed pneumococcal keratitis after surgery. This complication was encountered 2 days after surgery in one eye in both cases. The corneal flap was lifted, and irrigation and cultures from the stromal bed performed. Topical and subconjunctival antibiotics were started. RESULTS: Culture revealed Streptococcus pneumoniae in both cases. The infiltrates responded well to treatment. One year after the procedure, uncorrected visual acuity is > 20/40 in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumococcal keratitis can complicate LASIK. Patients should be informed of this potential complication, as prompt treatment is crucial.

Adult↗