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Biomedical subjects

S Baltatzis

Publications and source records attributed to S Baltatzis.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Krill protease effects on wound healing after corneal alkali burn.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of a novel protease in the development and progression of corneal ulceration secondary to alkali burning. METHODS: By using a 4N alkali burn model of corneal ulceration in rabbits, the effects and efficacy of topical application of a novel protease (PHM-101) capable of degrading metalloproteinases was studied for 28 days of treatment and 7 days off treatment for its effect on corneal ulceration and recurrent erosion. RESULTS: At day 28, both the protease- and placebo-treated groups had different numbers of eyes showing reepithelialization (nine (45%) of 20 and six (33%) of 18, respectively]. By day 35 the protease-treated group had significantly fewer recurrent epithelial defects [two (13%) of 15 vs. eight (61%) of 13; p = 0.02]. Similarly, at day 35 the protease-treated group showed significantly less corneal ulceration [two (13%) of 15 vs. six (46%) of 13; p = 0.02], and those ulcers were of a lesser severity (three units vs. 17.76 units). No difference was found in the degree of stromal edema or neovascularization, nor was there any difference in histopathologic characteristics of inflammatory cell infiltration and corneal scarring. CONCLUSION: We conclude that this novel protease is efficient in reducing recurrent corneal epithelial defects and stromal ulceration after alkali burning.

Alkalies↗
PubMed1999

The role of cytokines in experimental herpes simplex keratitis.

Experimental corneal infection with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) resulted in 11-21 days in herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) in C.A1-20 but not C.B-17 strain of BALB/c Igh-1-disparate mice. Formation of mRNAs of various pro-inflammatory cytokines was analyzed in corneas and draining lymph nodes (LNs) of HSK-susceptible C.A1-20 and HSK-resistant C.B-17 mice following HSV-1 corneal inoculation by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot analysis. Transcripts for interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-gamma were expressed in LNs of susceptible but not resistant mice. The level of IL-6 expression in the cornea correlated with the severity of keratitis in susceptible mice, being evident at days 4 and 14 after virus inoculation and thus showing a biphasic response. Resistant mice did not develop HSK and did not express IL-6. The IL-1beta and IL-4 gene transcription began early (day 7) in the corneas of resistant mice and then ceased, while in the corneas of susceptible mice, it began later (day 11). Taken together, these results indicate that IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-7 participate in the local inflammatory response in HSK.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

High levels of interleukin-12 in the aqueous humor and vitreous of patients with uveitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in initiation and maintenance of intraocular inflammation. DESIGN: Case series. PARTICIPANTS: Aqueous humor and vitreous levels of IL-12 and IL-10 were measured in 22 patients with uveitis undergoing cataract surgery, paracentesis of the anterior chamber, and/or vitrectomy for diagnostic reasons, and in 4 patients with cataract only. INTERVENTION: Aqueous humor and vitreous levels of IL-12 and IL-10 were measured with specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Disease activity was correlated to IL-12 levels in the aqueous humor and the vitreous of patients with uveitis. RESULTS: Cytokine levels found in the anterior chamber and the vitreous are presented in picogram/milliliter (medium; range). The highest IL-12 levels were found in patients with active uveitis (108.5 pg/ml; 72-293 pg/ml). Interleukin-12 in patients with moderate uveitis or with their disease in remission was lower (32 pg/ml; 15-94 pg/ml) than in patients with active disease (P > 0.001) but higher than in the control group (10.5 pg/ml; 9-14 pg/ml). Interleukin-10 was detectable in only 3 of 22 patients with uveitis (12 pg/ml; 9-23 pg/ml). CONCLUSION: The authors found statistically significant differences of IL-12 levels in the various patient groups (active vs. inactive vs. control). These results support the idea that these uveitis cases represent type 1 (Th1)-T lymphocyte-mediated diseases in which IL-12 plays a pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of the intraocular inflammation. The high levels of IL-12 in the vitreous and/or aqueous humor of the patients with uveitis suggest that susceptibility or resistance to ocular autoimmunity may be connected to a genetic predisposition to an elevated Th1 response.

Aqueous Humor↗
PubMed1998

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis after Salmonella gastroenteritis.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of bilateral peripheral ulcerative keratitis after Salmonella gastroenteritis. METHODS: Case report with description of treatment and outcome. RESULTS: The peripheral ulcerative keratitis gradually resolved in both eyes after appropriate systemic antibiotic therapy and local ocular care. CONCLUSION: Peripheral ulcerative keratitis can result as a consequence of infectious gastroenteritis.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Topical 2.0% dorzolamide vs oral acetazolamide for prevention of intraocular pressure rise after neodymium:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of topical 2.0% dorzolamide hydrochloride with oral acetazolamide in preventing intraocular pressure (IOP) rise following neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study. PATIENTS: Two hundred ten patients undergoing Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. INTERVENTION: Pretreatment with dorzolamide, acetazolamide, or placebo. Dorzolamide administration as a single drop (1 drop approximately 20 microL) 1 hour before capsulotomy. Acetazolamide administration as a single dose of 125 mg orally 1 hour before capsulotomy. RESULTS: At first and third hour postoperatively, IOPs and IOP changes from baseline were significantly (P<.001) higher in the placebo group than in the dorzolamide or acetazolamide group. At the same time, IOPs and IOP changes from baseline were similar (P>.50) in the dorzolamide and acetazolamide groups. No patient treated with dorzolamide or acetazolamide experienced an IOP higher than 30 mm Hg after capsulotomy, but 15.7% of patients receiving placebo had an IOP above this level (P<.001). Of patients receiving placebo, 5.7% experienced IOP higher than 35 mm Hg. No serious side effects were recorded in any of the studied patients. CONCLUSION: Topical 2.0% dorzolamide and oral acetazolamide, given prophylactically as a single administration 1 hour before Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, have comparable high efficacy and safety in preventing IOP elevation following this procedure.

Acetazolamide↗
PubMed1993

[Complications of secondary implantation in patients with aphakia].

We analyzed retrospectively the complications and visual results of 154 cases of secondary intraocular lens implantation. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 4 years (mean 2.8 years). Best corrected final post-operative visual acuity was better or the same as the best corrected preoperative vision in 95.5% of the eyes. Vision deteriorated in 7 eyes (4.5%): in 3 eyes because of cystoid macular edema, in 2 eyes because of retinal detachment, in 1 eye because of corneal decompensation and in 1 eye because of macular hole. The incidence of complications was 15.4%. We believe that, in carefully selected patients, secondary intraocular lens implantation is highly successful.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

[Treatment of ectasic filtering blebs with argon laser photocoagulation].

One of the complications of glaucoma filtering procedures is the development of an excessively large functioning filtering bleb. Five such cases were treated by Argon laser photocoagulation of the bleb surface, this having been previously colored by use of sterile Rose Bengal eye drops (not by methylene blue used by Fink and coll. (2) in certain cases). Results in these five cases were spectacular: immediately, there was considerable decrease in bleb size, good persisting filtration and the disappearance of symptoms; in the ???? ???, there was persistence of good results and ???? ?? complications. For all these reasons: ease at procedure, ambulatory treatment, good results, absence of complications, one ??????? prefer argon laser photocoagulation of the bleb surface to either cryotherapy or surgery.

Cysts↗
PubMed1989

[Treatment of retinal detachment by pneumatic retinopexy].

In this article the authors describe a modification of the classic method of pneumatic retinopexy for treatment of retinal detachment. They used a mixture of 40% SF6 and 60% air and performed a trans-scleral ab externo drainage of the sub-retinal fluid. Results in 24 cases have been favorable. They consider this method to have the following advantages: shorter hospitalization, reduction of ocular trauma, fewer pre- and post-operative complications, lower hospital costs.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Macular threshold after ECCE and posterior chamber IOL implantation].

In the present paper, the macular threshold after ECCE and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, was studied in an effort to determine the time period needed for full postoperative recovery of macular function. We evaluated 22 eyes in 20 patients who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber IOL implantation. There were 12 men and 8 women between the ages of 40 and 62 years with mean age of 53 years. Postoperative visual field testing was performed within the central 4 degrees with an automated static perimeter (Humphrey Visual Field Analyser), using a macular threshold test pattern. It has been established that central retinal sensitivity in pseudophakia shows a postoperative decrease and consequently recovers to almost normal levels within one month. The exact cause of this reduction remains under discussion and further control mainly with fluorescein angiography is necessary.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

[Comparative study of virgin silk and polyglachine (Dexon) corneal sutures in rabbits (author's transl)].

An experimental study in rabbits compared corneal reaction to two types of sutures: 8.0 virgin-silk (Ethicon) and 7.0 Dexon (Davis-Geck). Results showed that the 8.0 virgin-silk (Ethicon) gives rise to a scar rapidly than the 7.0 Dexon (Davis-Geck). The degree of inflammation is smaller, the scar more solid and more regular than with 7.0 Dexon (Davis-Geck). In addition, the degree of neovascularisation of the cornea was more dense with the 8.0 virgin-silk (Ethicon) than the 7.0 Dexon (Davis-Geck) sutures.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy: treatment with laser photocoagulation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment in eyes with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy (DRPE). METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 consecutive patients (78 eyes) with DRPE. All eyes were treated with digital fluorescein angiography guided argon green laser photocoagulation, direct on the focal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leaks and in a grid pattern to the RPE decompensation areas. A processed digital red-free fundus image including all the important traces on it was used as a guide to the laser treatment. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 7 years. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up time, 70 (89.7%) eyes showed anatomic improvement with complete or partial resolution of the macular exudative lesions. Visual acuity of less than 20/40 was noted in 60 eyes (76.9%) preoperatively compared with 46 eyes (59.0%) finally (p=0.0252). The visual acuity was improved in 19 eyes (24.4%), stabilized in 51 (65.4%), and reduced in only 8 eyes (10.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients with DRPE, the results of laser treatment were uniformly satisfactory producing a gradual resolution of the macular exudative lesions and an improvement or stabilization of the visual acuity.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Photodynamic therapy in retinal angiomatous proliferation stage I.

PURPOSE: To report a case of photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment in an 85-year-old patient with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) stage I. METHODS: According to Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Photodynamic Therapy and Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy study guidelines, two sessions of PDT with verteporfin were performed, which was activated by a diode laser light at 690 nm. RESULTS: The left eye was treated with PDT because of RAP stage I. Even in the early stage of RAP, PDT treatment did not alter the natural course of the disease. In particular, the lesion evolved towards stage III, being initially in stage I, with the final result of development of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear after the second session of PDT treatment. CONCLUSIONS; Even in the early stage of RAP, PDT treatment did not alter the natural course of the disease, with the final result of RPE tear after the second session of PDT treatment.

Aged, 80 and over↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Treatment of calcific band keratopathy by Nd:YAG laser.

A new technique is presented for the treatment of secondary calcific band keratopathy. The Nd:YAG laser was used for the disruption and removal of corneal calcium deposits. This technique was used in seven cases with satisfying results.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fibrin reaction after extracapsular cataract extraction: a statistical evaluation.

As part of a retrospective study, 1056 eyes of 940 patients who had undergone extracapsular cataract surgery and posterior chamber IOL implantation were studied using statistical methods (chi-squared test). We studied the presence of fibrin reaction in three subgroups: diabetics without retinopathy (102 eyes), previously operated for primary open angle glaucoma "POAG" (78 eyes) and exfoliation syndrome without glaucoma (43 eyes). The results were compared for these three groups and for a group of normal individuals. The incidence of fibrin reaction was 13.7% in the diabetics, 44.8% in the group of previously operated POAG and 27.9% in the group of exfoliation syndrome without glaucoma. All the groups studied had this complication much more often than the controls (p < 0.0001). The incidence among previously operated eyes for POAG was higher than in diabetic eyes without retinopathy (p < 0.0005) and in exfoliation syndrome without glaucoma eyes (0.05 < p < 0.1). Fibrin reaction was more common in exfoliation syndrome without glaucoma than in diabetic eyes without retinopathy (p < 0.05).

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Twelve years' continuous wear of the same therapeutic soft contact lens: a case report.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of a patient who had worn the same therapeutic soft contact lens (TSCL) continuously for twelve years, since he had failed to attend normal follow-up visits. METHODS: Microbiological histological and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies of conjunctiva, cornea and TSCL were done. RESULTS: Cultures were negative. Corneal histology revealed mild stromal edema and mild epithelial parakeratosis. Corneal SEM was remarkable for the preservation to some extent of normal corneal epithelial specialization with microtricae and microvillae. SEM of the TSCL showed a ruffed multi-layer surface with several cracks including different types of cells. CONCLUSIONS: The patient showed surprising tolerance to the continuous wear of the same contact lens for 12 years.

Aged↗