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AimTo assess the two-year outcome of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept (IVZ) in eyes with macular diseases.MethodsConsecutive subjects with various macular diseases that received six or more of 0.05 mL IVZ (1.25 mg) injections with at least 1 year follow-up were included. Outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) and central macular thickness (CMT) on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Paired comparison was done using Wilcoxon signed-rank test calculator.Results107 eyes of 91 subjects received IVZ and were followed with mean±SD follow-up interval of 1.48±0.44 months following treat and extend or pro-re-nata protocol. The distribution included neovascular macular degeneration (42 eyes), diabetic macular oedema (32 eyes) and macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (11 eyes). Fifty eyes were naive, while 57 eyes were previously treated. Combining all disease categories, CMT decreased significantly by 133.0±153.0 µm at the 24-month follow-up (PConclusionsIVZ appears safe and efficacious in the therapy of macular diseases through 2 years. more...

PURPOSE To study the effect of the vitreomacular interface on various wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) characteristics including the size and type of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), choroidal thickness, and activity of the CNV. METHODS This was a retrospective observational cross-sectional study. The study included 43 patients (51 eyes) with treatment-naive age-related macular degeneration. Twenty-six patients with wet AMD in one eye and dry AMD in the other eye were included in a paired-eye analysis. Patients underwent optical coherence tomography examination using Heidelberg Spectralis (spectral domain optical coherence tomography) at presentation to determine the type of CNV and the vitreomacular status. In addition, various parameters were measured including the choroidal thickness and horizontal width and vertical height measurements of the CNV. RESULTS There was no correlation between the height, width, activity or type of the CNV, and the presence or absence of vitreomacular adhesion. The mean choroidal thickness (using enhanced depth imaging) in cases with vitreomacular adhesion was 272.57 μm compared with 197.32 μm in cases with no vitreomacular adhesion, a statistically significant difference (P = 0.003). In the paired-eye study (21 patients), there was no significant difference between the eyes with wet AMD and dry AMD with regard to vitreomacular status or the choroidal thickness. In a subgroup analysis, patients with Type 1 CNV had a significantly higher percentage of vitreomacular adhesion compared with the other eye with dry AMD (P = 0.034). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the vitreomacular interface does seem to be associated with an increased choroidal thickness in cases of wet AMD. Furthermore, the association between the vitreomacular interface and wet AMD is more significant for Type 1 CNV. more...

The recent VIEW studies have demonstrated the non-inferiority of monthly and bi-monthly aflibercept in the management of wet age related macular degeneration (AMD) compared with ranibizumab. However, the current data are limited mainly to fixed dosing regimens with few studies looking at flexible dosing regimens of aflibercept in wet AMD. In addition, recent data from the VIEW 96 week extension has shown that patients being shifted from fixed dosing regimens to PRN have shown a drop in visual acuity and increase in central macular thickness. This is an indication that fixed dosing, a non-sustainable option, is only effective as long as it is continued. Regimens such as treat and extend (TAE) and pro-re nata (PRN) have been studied extensively in ranibizumab and bevacizumab and have shown to be effective options. With the presence of effective, established and less costly drugs such as ranibizumab and bevacizumab, the role of aflibercept as a primary treatment modality has yet to be clearly defined. The current review provides an analysis of the VIEW studies, as well as the extension phases. It also looks at post hoc analysis of predictors of response and outcomes. We have also conducted a search on studies comparing between PRN regimens using aflibercept and other anti-VEGF agents. This review also explores cheaper off label aflibercept; ziv-aflibercept in the treatment of wet AMD. The main purpose of the review is to delineate the role of aflibercept as a primary therapeutic option and if there are any significant advantages that would advocate its use over alternative anti-VEGF drugs. Finally, we propose a treatment algorithm for patients being started on aflibercept during the first year and thereafter. more...

AimsTo compare microaneurysm (MA) counts using ultrawide field colour images (UWF-CI) and ultrawide field fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA).MethodsRetrospective study including patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus receiving UWF-FA and UWF-CI within 2 weeks. MAs were manually counted in individual Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) and extended UWF zones. Fields with MAs ≥20 determined diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity (0 fields=mild, 1–3=moderate, ≥4=severe). UWF-FA and UWF-CI agreement was determined and UWF-CI DR severity sensitivity analysis adjusting for UWF-FA MA counts performed.ResultsIn 193 patients (288 eyes), 2.4% had no DR, 29.9% mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 32.6% moderate (NPDR), 22.9% severe NPDR and 12.2% proliferative DR. UWF-FA MA counts were 3.5-fold higher (pConclusionsUWF-FA detects threefold to fivefold more MAs than UWF-CI and identifies 1.6–3.5-fold more fields affecting DR severity. Differences exist at all DR severity levels, thus limiting direct comparison between the modalities. However, correcting UWF-FA MA counts substantially improves DR severity agreement between the modalities. more...

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to explore the outcome of low-risk singleton pregnancies with very short cervical length (CL ≤15 mm) according to method of treatment and CL at diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective study on singleton pregnancies devoid of risk factors for spontaneous preterm delivery identified in the course of universal screening programs by vaginal sonography at 20-24 weeks of gestation to have very short CL ≤ 15 mm. RESULTS The study group consisted of 233 pregnancies with CL ≤ 15 mm of which 88 had cervical cerclage inserted and the remaining 145 were treated with vaginal progesterone. Mean CL at diagnosis was significantly shorter in the cerclage group (5 mm) compared with the progesterone group (12 mm). Regardless of treatment there was no difference in the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery at more...

Les accidents du travail (AT) sont fréquents et s’accompagnent souvent de lourdes conséquences pour l’individu, la communauté et l’employeur, occasionnant dans certains cas des séquelles dont il faut déterminer le taux d’incapacité permanente partielle (IPP). L’étude était transversale et analytique. Elle s’est déroulée sur une période de cinq années allant de 2012 à 2016, et a concerné tous les dossiers complets d’accidents du travail avec Incapacité Permanente Partielle AT/IPP enregistrés à la Direction régionale de Ouagadougou de la Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale. Les résultats descriptifs ont été présentés sous forme univariée et bivariée. L’échantillon était constitué de 221 cas d’AT/IPP extraits parmi les dossiers d’AT déclarés à Ouagadougou, soit un taux de 4,49 % (221/4922). L’échantillon était constitué de 54 femmes (24,4 3%) et 167 hommes (75,57 %). L’âge moyen était de 40,09 ± 8,8 ans (16 - 62 ans), avec une sinistralité plus fréquente dans le secteur des « services fournis à la collectivité, services sociaux et services personnels » (38,46 %). Plus de 2/3 des cas étaient des « employés » (67,42 %). Les accidents de trajet constituaient la majorité des sinistres (62 %). Ils survenaient en matinée entre 6 heures et 8 heures (45,25 %) et le véhicule de transport était le principal élément agent matériel causal (64,71 %). Les AT/IPP ont causé des fractures des membres (48,88 %) et entrainé 110 cas d’impotence fonctionnelle (49 %) et en moyenne 103 journées de travail perdues (3 - 848 jours). La prévention des AT/IPP devra intégrer des modules sur la sécurité routière.Mots-clés: Epidémiologie, Clinique ; Accident du travail, Incapacité Permanente Partielle, OuagadougouEnglish Title: Epidemiological and clinical features of work-related accidents with partial permanent disability: About 221 casesEnglish AbstractWork-related Accidents at work (WA) are common in Burkina Faso and around the world. Their occurrence is often followed by serious consequences for the individual, the community and the employer, and in some cases causing sequelae that must determine the rate of permanent partial disability (PPD). The aftereffect of WA are poorly documented in our context, hence the importance of this study which aims to The descriptive findings were presented under univariate and bivariate form. The sample consists of 221 cases of WA / PPD extracted from reported WA files in Ouagadougou, which rate is 4.49% (221/4922). The sample consisted of 54 women (24.43%) and 167 men (75.57%). The average age is 40.09 ± 8.8 years (16 - 62 years). Cases of accidents are more predominant in the sector of "community services, social services and personal services" (38.46%). Employees are the main victims of WA / PPD (67.42%). Track accidents represent the main claims (62%). They occur in the morning between 6 am and 8 am (45.25%) and transport vehicle is the main causal material (64.71%). The WA / PPD caused limb fractures (48.88%) and resulted in 110 cases of functional impotence (49%), and an average loss of 103 work days (3 - 848 days). WA / PPD prevention should include modules on road safety.Keywords: Epidemiology, Clinic; Work Accident, Partial Permanent Disability, Ouagadougou more...

Dans le monde du travail, l’alcoolisation de certains travailleurs est une préoccupation aussi bien de l’employeur que des autres salariés. En effet, l’alcool est un facteur démultiplicateur du risque professionnel. Cependant très peu de données sont disponibles dans les pays de la sous-région. L’objectif était d’étudier l’ampleur de la consommation d’alcool chez les travailleurs à Ouagadougou. Nous avons procédé à un échantillonnage stratifié simple. Le questionnaire AUDIT a été administré aux travailleurs ayant donné leur consentement. Les résultats ont été présentés sous formes univariées. L’échantillon était constitué de 350 travailleurs avec un taux de participation de 100 %. La prévalence de la consommation d’alcool était de 65,14 % avec une fréquence de consommation inférieure ou égale à 4 fois par mois chez 50 % des travailleurs. La quantité d’alcool consommée un jour typique de consommation était inférieure ou égale à 4 verres chez 57,02 %. Les travailleurs qui avaient une consommation à faible risque étaient les plus représentés avec 39,43 %. Le sexe masculin, la confession religieuse non musulmane et le niveau d’instruction supérieur étaient les facteurs associés à la consommation d’alcool chez les travailleurs. La consommation d’alcool chez les travailleurs dans la ville de Ouagadougou est importante. Cela interpelle les acteurs de la prévention quant à la nécessité d’en tenir compte dans la politique santé et sécurité au travail en entreprise.Mots-clés: consommation d’alcool, travailleurs, OuagadougouEnglish Title: Alcohol consumption among workers in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)English AbstractIn the world of work, the alcoholism of certain workers is a concern for both the employer and other employees. Indeed, alcohol is a factor multiplying the occupational risk. However, very little data is available in the countries of the subregion. The objective was to study the extent of alcohol consumption among workers in Ouagadougou. We proceeded to a simple stratified sampling. The AUDIT questionnaire was administered to the workers who gave their consent. The results were presented in univariate. The sample consisted of 350 workers with a participation rate of 100%. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 65.14% with a consumption frequency less than or equal to 4 times per month for 50% of workers. The amount of alcohol consumed on a typical day of consumption was less than or equal to 4 glasses in 57.02%. Workers with low risk consumption were the most represented at 39.43%. Male, non-Muslim, and higher education were the factors associated with alcohol consumption among workers. Alcohol consumption among workers in the city of Ouagadougou is important and already requires the implementation of a policy to fight against the use of alcohol.Keywords: alcohol consumption, workers, Ouagadougou more...

To assess the intra- and interobserver variability of cervical length (CL) measurement in the three trimesters of pregnancy.Prospective observational study. Transvaginal CL measurement was performed by two operators ignorant of each other's results. Two methods of measurement were assessed: the straight line method (SL = from internal to external cervical os along the endocervical mucosa) and the two-line method (TL = the sum of two lines following the curvature of the endocervical canal).There were 236 sets of CL measurements of which 96 (40.7%), 73 (30.5%), and 67 (28.8%) were performed in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Intra- and interobserver variability was excellent for both methods (ICC 0.90) and was not influenced by gestational age. Mean difference was 1 mm (LOA -4 to -3 mm) for the same examiner and 1 mm as well between examiners (LOA -5 to -7 mm). Mean CL was slightly longer for the 2-L method (33 mm, SD = 5.2) compared to the SL method (31.4 mm, SD = 4.9). There was significantly more bias in the difference between methods the longer the CL measurement was (CL measurement shows excellent intra- and interobserver variability across gestation and the variability of the measurement is not influenced by gestational age or CL length for either method. The TL method produces slightly longer values. more...

Hemivertebra is a congenital spinal abnormality. The condition may affect one or multiple vertebrae. Hemivertebra occurs because of malformations or absence of the ossification centers. Most cases reported in the literature are diagnosed in the second trimester, usually after 22 weeks. It is very unusual and difficult for the hemivertebra to be detected at the first trimester. more...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of early switching to ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) or aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron, Tarrytown, NY) in cases of diabetic macular edema (DME) that have shown no response to bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study involving 59 eyes of 45 patients with DME previously treated with bevacizumab. Patients were switched either to ranibizumab or aflibercept. Detailed ophthalmological examination, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and optical coherence tomography (Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) were performed prior to and 1 month post-switch. RESULTS: Fifty-nine eyes of 45 patients were included in the study, of whom 14 patients (17 eyes) were switched to aflibercept and 31 patients (42 eyes) were switched to ranibizumab. Post-switch, there was a statistically significant improvement in the BCVA in the combined group (aflibercept and ranibizumab), as well as in the ranibizumab group alone. In addition, there was a statistically significant decrease in the central subfield thickness (CST) in the combined group, as well as in the ranibizumab and aflibercept groups individually. There was no significant difference with regard to the change in macular thickness or BCVA between the aflibercept and ranibizumab groups. In addition, neither the pre-switch central macular thickness, previous number of injections, nor the pre-switch visual acuity affected the response to switching. CONCLUSION: Aflibercept and ranibizumab both appear to be effective for patients showing no initial response to bevacizumab. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:230–236.] more...

Introduction Our aim was to establish unconditional and conditional longitudinal reference ranges for cervical length throughout pregnancy. Material and methods Prospective longitudinal study. In singleton pregnancies repeated cervical length measurements were carried out by transvaginal ultrasound throughout gestation. Multilevel modeling was applied to establish cervical length reference ranges from 11 to 40 weeks. Results In all, 4397 women contributed to 13 765 cervical length measurements. A linear mixed effects random intercept–random slope model was fitted to the data. Mean cervical length had a negative non-linear polynomial association with gestational age. Unconditional ranges were developed. Terms that allow the construction of personalized cervical length charts conditional to a previous measurement were calculated. Conclusions We constructed longitudinal reference charts for cervical length in singleton pregnancies. Cervical length should be adjusted according to specific gestational-age-dependent ranges. Individualization of cervical assessment is feasible by the application of charts conditional to previous measurements. more...

The polyphenolic content in date seeds, a promising functional ingredient for food, was characterised in three forms viz., date seed powder (DSP), date seed pita bread (DSB) and date seed extract (DSE). Bioaccessibility of the polyphenols from the samples was assessed by in-vitro digestion coupled with transport using Caco-2 cells. HPLC-ESI-UV/MS/MS-(IT) analysis recorded the presence of phenolic acids, flavanols, flavonols and flavones. Flavan-3-ols was the most significant group with the highest concentration in DSP, 47.91 ± 0.13 g/kg, after depolymerisation. Phenolic acids such as protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid and caffeoylshikimic acid were recovered from DSP and DSE after in-vitro digestion. In comparison, the recovery was significantly lower in the bread sample. Similarly, transport of protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeoylshikimic acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid hexoside and diosmin through Caco-2 monolayer was observed in DSP and DSE, while protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid were the only polyphenols transported from digested DSB. more...

Hemivertebra is a congenital spinal abnormality. The condition may affect one or multiple vertebrae. Hemivertebra occurs because of malformations or absence of the ossification centers. Most cases reported in the literature are diagnosed in the second trimester, usually after 22 weeks. It is very unusual and difficult for the hemivertebra to be detected at the first trimester. more...

Objective To assess the feasibility and results of introducing a policy of universal screening for preterm delivery (PTD) by mid-trimester cervical-length (CL) measurement. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study of singleton pregnancies, transvaginal sonography for CL measurement was performed at 20-24 weeks of gestation. Vaginal progesterone therapy was offered to women with CL more...

Abnormal intraplacental hypervascularity is a well-known MRI feature of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS), but the precise nature of these vessels has not yet been specified. Histopathological examination of eleven PAS-hysterectomy specimens and subsequent review of the corresponding MRIs, revealed the presence of large fetal vascular trunks extending deep towards the placental periphery and demonstrating deficient branching along their course (‘stripped-fetal-vessel’ sign). To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the pattern of abnormal fetal vasculature in correlation with MRI in PAS. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd more...

A cross-over study was conducted in 16 healthy adult volunteers to describe the urinary excretion of polyphenols from date seeds and investigate the antioxidant effect after consumption of different doses of date seeds powder (DSP), bread (DSB) and extract (DSE). After 12 h of fasting, one of the six treatments (0.25 g and 0.5 g/kg bodyweight DSP, 360 g of 10% and 15% DSB, 30 mg and 60 mg/kg bodyweight DSE) was provided along with breakfast, with a two weeks wash-out period between 2 consecutive treatments. Blood was drawn at baseline, 1, 2, 8 and 24 h post intake. Urine was collected at baseline, 3, 8, and 24 h post intake. An abundant release of polyphenols was detected in urine within the 0–3 h post intake, reached a peak at 8 h, then decreased with polyphenols still being detected up to 24 h post intake. The antioxidant defence system, as measured by reduced glutathione (GSH), was strengthened as soon as 1 h and up to 8 h post intake. Markers of protein and lipid oxidative damages were reduced from 1 h and up to 8 and 24 h post intake, respectively. This supports an antioxidant effect of date seeds products in humans, most probably due to their polyphenols., This project was funded by the Zayed Center-Based research grant 2013, United Arab Emirates University (Fund 31 R023-Research Center- ZCHS -9-2013). more...