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Sonja Jandrokovi&cacute;,1,2 Sania Vidas Pauk,1 Dina Lešin Ga&cacute;ina,1 Ivan Skegro,1,2 Martina Tomi&cacute;,3 Sanja Masnec,1,2 Tomislav Kuzman,1,2 Miro Kalauz1,2 1Department of Ophthalmology, University Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; 2School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Vuk Vrhovac University Clinic for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, CroatiaCorrespondence: Sania Vidas Pauk, Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Kišpati&cacute;eva 12, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia, Tel +385989371397, Fax +38512388430, Email sania_vidas@yahoo.comPurpose: To evaluate the effect of switching from preserved prostaglandin analog-timolol fixed combinations (PG-timolol FCs) to preservative-free latanoprost-timolol FC (PF-LT) on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular surface health, and tolerability in glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OH) patients with the concurrent ocular surface disease (OSD).Methods: This was a longitudinal, prospective, interventional, real-life study among 42 patients. Up to 3 visits were planned, at baseline, 30, and 90 days to assess efficacy on IOP decrease and local tolerance. The severity of OSD symptoms [Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire], subjective drug tolerability [visual analog scale (VAS)], conjunctival hyperemia (McMonnies scale), and tear break-up time (TBUT) were the main parameters assessed.Results: Data from 36 patients were available for statistical analysis. IOP was significantly reduced at day 30 and day 90 compared to baseline (16 vs 14 vs 14 mmHg, p < 0.001). Significant improvement was demonstrated in OSD symptoms, signs, and VAS scores from the baseline to the second and third visits. Median OSDI (27.1 vs 9.6 vs 4.2, p < 0.001), conjunctival hyperemia (2 vs 1 vs 1, p < 0.001), corneal surface staining (p < 0.001), and conjunctival staining scores (p < 0.001), and the percentage of patients with eyelid and periocular hyperemia (61.1 vs 12.5 vs 2.8%, p < 0.001), significantly decreased. TBUT (4 vs 5 vs 6 s, p < 0.001) and VAS score regarding tolerability (5 vs 2 vs 1, p < 0.001) significantly increased.Conclusion: A switch from preserved PG-timolol FCs to PF-LT improved tolerability and optimized IOP control, providing better adherence with greater chances of treatment success.Keywords: glaucoma, prostaglandin analogs, preservative, benzalkonium chloride, preservative-free, fixed combinations

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, presents the results of an international expert consensus on the referral of large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps for endoscopic resection. The study used a Delphi methodology to establish consensus among a panel of 24 experts from diverse continents. The experts agreed on 19 statements related to the referral process, including factors such as patient demographics, relevant medications, lesion characteristics, photodocumentation, and the presence of a tattoo. The consensus statements can help improve the triage and planning of resection techniques for large colorectal polyps, ultimately contributing to the reduction of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in the journal Endoscopy examined the use of a regular arrangement of collecting venules (RAC) pattern as a diagnostic method for Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection during non-magnification white-light endoscopy in Western countries. The study included 354 patients and found that the presence of RAC accurately identified patients without HP infection, with a negative predictive value of 97.4%. However, the positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of the RAC pattern were lower. The study suggests that RAC could be a useful tool in clinical practice for identifying HP infection in Western countries. [Extracted from the article]