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Charles Nii Kwade Ofei-Palm,1 Naa Naamuah Tagoe,2 Dong Jatoe,1 Angela Agyare,1 Daniel Ankrah3 1Lions International Eye Centre (LIEC), Pharmacy Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana; 2Lions International Eye Centre (LIEC), Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana; 3Pharmacy Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, GhanaCorrespondence: Charles Nii Kwade Ofei-PalmLions International Eye Centre (LIEC), (Pharmacy Unit), Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, P. O. Box 77, Korle Bu, GhanaTel +233244661941Email c.ofei-palm@kbth.gov.ghIntroduction: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In Ghana, 19.4% of all blindness recorded is due to glaucoma. Reducing intraocular pressure medically (using eye drops) is the evidence-based therapeutic option.Objective: To determine the rational use and undertake cost analysis of anti-glaucoma drugs among patients attending clinic at the Lions International Eye Centre (LIEC), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we reviewed all prescriptions presented to the pharmacy unit from 01/12/2015 to 31/03/2016. The dispensed drops were classified, and all anti-glaucoma drugs were identified. This was followed by cost analysis.Results: A total of 588 prescriptions were captured, 27.3% (161/588) contained an anti-glaucoma medication. The mean number of anti-glaucoma medications was 1.71 of which 52.7% was prescribed to females. Prostaglandin analogs (PGA) were the most prescribed (37% (102/276)), followed by beta blockers (25.4% (70/276)), carbonic anhydrase group of medicines (16.3% (45/276)), combined beta blockers (11.2% (31/276)), alpha agonists (8.7% (24/276)) and miotics (1.4% (4/276)). The median (IQR) cost of anti-glaucoma therapy per prescription per month was GHC 65.00 (GHC38.5-GHC140) about [US$16.25 (US$ 9.6–US$35)]. Azopt (Brimonidine) was the most expensive with daily treatment cost of GHC 5.8 (about US$ 1.45), whilst the least expensive drug with a daily treatment cost of GHC 0.14 (about US$ 0.035) was timolol eye drops.Conclusion: Prostaglandin analogs though expensive remain the most preferred treatment for managing glaucoma at the Korle-Bu Eye Centre in Ghana. This may adversely affect treatment among the poor since prostaglandins analogs are currently not covered by insurance.Keywords: cost analysis, anti-glaucoma therapy, rational drug use, Korle-Bu, Ghana

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of macrovascular and non-ocular microvascular complications and the associated factors among children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus in selected hospitals in southern Ghana., Design: A cross-sectional study., Setting: The out-patient clinics of the Departments of Child Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, Family Medicine, Ophthalmology, and the National Diabetes Management and Research Centre, all at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, as well as from Cape-Coast Teaching Hospital in the Central Region of Ghana., Participants: Fifty-eight children and adolescents aged 4-19 years who had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus., Main Outcome Measures: Macrovascular (peripheral artery disease and coronary heart disease) and non-ocular microvascular complications (neuropathy and nephropathy)., Results: Data from 58 children and adolescents with diabetes were analysed. The mean age of participants was 14.6±2.6 years, and a female preponderance was observed (45, 77.6%). The prevalence of macrovascular and non-ocular microvascular complications was 27.6% and 8.6%, respectively. Long duration of diabetes diagnosis (p=0.044) and low triglycerides (p=0.009) were associated with microvascular complications, while high triglycerides (p=0.032), lower HDL cholesterol (p=0.046), and abnormal body mass index (p=0.020) were associated with macrovascular complications., Conclusions: Macrovascular and non-ocular microvascular complications are common among children and adolescents with diabetes in southern Ghana and are associated with a long duration of diabetes diagnosis, abnormal body mass index, low HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Therefore, the early institution of regular screening for diabetes-related complications to allow early detection and appropriate management is recommended., Funding: University of Ghana Research Fund., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared, (Copyright © The Author(s).)

Background: The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), other diabetes-related ocular changes (e.g., cataracts, corneal ulceration), and non-diabetic ocular disease in Ghanaian children and adolescents. The second objective was to evaluate the relationship between these conditions and age at diagnosis, current age, diabetes mellitus (DM) duration, and participant's sex., Methods: A cross-sectional study, undertaken by a multidisciplinary team, included a cohort of children and adolescents (4-19 years) with DM recruited from selected health facilities in Ghana, from March 2016 to September 2019, after written informed consent or assent. The cohort will be followed up for 3 years to determine the natural course of the ocular changes, reported later. Participants were examined for all microvascular and macrovascular complications, non-diabetic ocular disease, anthropometric measurements, laboratory characteristics and quality of life issues. Full ocular examination was also undertaken. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25.0) was used for the data analysis. Continuous and categorical variables were presented as mean and standard deviation (SD), median (interquartile range) and as percentages (%), respectively. T-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used in establishing associations., Results: A total of 58 participants were recruited. DR was detected in only 1 out of 58 (1.7%) participants at baseline. Cataracts were the most common ocular finding, detected in 42 (72%) at baseline. Other anterior segment changes observed included blepharitis 46 (79.3%) and tear film instability 38 (65.5%). There was a significant positive association between duration of the DM and the risk of cataract ( p = 0.027). Participants' age at diagnosis was significantly associated with the presence of prominent corneal nerves ( p = 0.004)., Conclusions: DR was uncommon in this cohort of young persons with DM in Ghana. Cataracts, blepharitis and refractive errors were ocular changes commonly observed. All young persons with diabetes should undergo regular eye examination in all clinics where follow-up care is provided.

Objective: To determine causes of visual impairment (VI) among staff of the Eye Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital., Design: This was a cross-sectional study., Setting: The Eye Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), from October 2016 to March 2017 on all consenting members of staff., Participants: Eighty-four (79.3%) of 106 consenting staff members participated in this study., Data Collection/intervention: A detailed history (demographic, ocular, medical co-morbid conditions), ocular examination and relevant diagnostic investigations were conducted. Interventions initiated included treatment for glaucoma, dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis and spectacles prescription for refractive errors., Main Outcomes: Prevalence of avoidable causes of VI (glaucoma, cataract, refractive errors). Secondary outcomes included prevalence of unavoidable causes of VI., Results: Eighty-four (79.3%) members of staff participated in this study. Most of the participants were females, 54(64.3 %). Age ranged from 23 to 60 years with an average of 35.8±9.9 years (mean ± SD).Prevalence of VI was 9.5 % (8/84), all due to uncorrected refractive error. Other known causes of VI included open angle glaucoma in 12(14.3 %), macular scar of unknown cause, 1(1.2 %) and sutural cataract, 1(1.2 %) but were all visually insignificant., Conclusions: The prevalence of VI among the staff of the Eye Centre of the KBTH was 9.5 %, all due to refractive errors. Other known causes of avoidable visual impairment and blindness encountered were glaucoma (14.3 %), macular scar (1.2 %) and cataract (1.2 %), all asymptomatic. Routine eye screening should be part of periodic medical examination for employees., Funding: None declared., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared, (Copyright © The Author(s).)

A 35-year-old myopic woman developed right-eye optic disc edema with normal visual function. The presence of a subtle crescent-shaped peripapillary subretinal hemorrhage in addition to the disc edema raised concern for a peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane, which was confirmed by enhanced depth optical coherence tomography., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interests of this paper., (Copyright: © 2021 Taiwan J Ophthalmol.)

Background: Diabetes is associated with premature morbidity and mortality from its many complications. There are limited data on the chronic complications of diabetes in children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa., Objective: The study aims to determine the (1) burden and related factors of chronic systemic complications of diabetes, including diabetic and nondiabetic ocular conditions in children and adolescents, and (2) quality of life (QoL) of participants compared to healthy controls. This manuscript describes the study methodology., Methods: Demographic information, medical history, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory characteristics were collected, and the participants were screened for microvascular and macrovascular complications as well as nondiabetic ocular disease. QoL questionnaires were administered to participants, their caregivers, and controls. Participants were followed up annually up to 3 years to determine the natural history of and trends in these conditions. SPSS Version 25.0 will be used for data analysis. Continuous and categorical data will be presented as mean (SD) and as percentages (%), respectively. t tests and analysis of variance will be used to compare means, and chi-square tests will be used to compare categorical data. Correlation, regression, and logistic regression analyses will be employed to establish linear associations and causal associations as appropriate. Relative risk and odds ratios will be used to estimate risk. QoL outcomes in Ghanaian children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus compared with caregivers and healthy controls will be assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life inventory. Significance will be set at α=.05., Results: Institutional approval from the Ethical and Protocol Review Committee of the University of Ghana Medical School was received on August 22, 2014 (Protocol Identification Number: MS-Et/M.12-P4.5/2013-2014). Funding for the project was received from the University of Ghana Research Fund (#UGRF/9/LMG-013/2015-2016) in March 2016. Patient recruitment, clinical examination, and data collection commenced in August 2016 and was completed in September 2019. A total of 58 children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus have been recruited. Blood samples were stored at -80 °C for analysis, which was completed at the end of July 2020. Data analysis is ongoing and will be completed by the end of December 2020. Investigators plan to submit the results for publication by the end of February 2021., Conclusions: The prevalence, natural history, trends in diabetic complications and nondiabetic ocular disease, and QoL will be provided. Our data may inform policies and interventions to improve care given to children and adolescents with diabetes., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/21440., (©Vera Adobea Essuman, Naa Naamuah Tagoe, Josephine Akpalu, Akye Essuman, Adziri H Sackey, CF Hayfron-Benjamin, George Asare, Benjamin Abaidoo, AGB Amoah, Thomas Ndanu, IDB Ofori-Adjei, NA Barnes, BL Appiah-Thompson, Winfried M Amoaku. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 06.01.2021.)

Background: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) occurs secondary to raised intracranial pressure (ICP) of unknown etiology and is diagnosed when all other causes of raised ICP have been excluded. It can leave devastating sequelae such as permanent visual loss, hence the need for timely diagnosis and treatment. Anecdotally, one or two cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) previously presented at the Eye Centre, KBTH yearly. However, six cases were seen within a 6-month period, prompting the need to study the clinical features of IIH in this population., Objective: We aim to evaluate the clinical features of patients presenting with IIH at KBTH., Methodology: This is a retrospective case series with contemporaneous collection of data of six patients who presented to the Eye Centre (KBTH) between October 2016 and March 2017 with clinical features suggestive of IIH. The patients were evaluated and diagnosed based on clinical judgement as well as using the modified Dandy criteria., Results: All six patients were female and all except one were obese. The age range was 8 to 40 years with median 22.5 years. Symptoms in the 8-year-old were preceded by oral doxycycline for acne treatment. One patient had a history of using oral contraceptive pills prescribed for irregular menses. Clinical features of blurred vision, headache, and papilloedema were relieved with oral acetazolamide., Conclusion: The upsurge of IIH may be due to the increased incidence of obesity in Ghana. Timely diagnosis and treatment is needed to avoid irreversible blindness., Funding: None., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared

Background: Craniotomy and transphenoidal microsurgery are surgical options for treatment of pituitary adenoma at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital(KBTH). Despite major advances and reported success rates of transphenoidal resection globally, paucity of local data regarding visual outcome of either procedure exists. We evaluated the visual outcome of patient with pituitary adenoma following surgery in a tertiary hospital in Ghana., Methods: This is a prospective study of 18 of 45 consecutive new patients with pituitary adenoma seen from November 2010 to July 2013 at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital(KBTH), Accra, Ghana. Sixteen (88.9%) of the 18 had surgery by transphenoidal route and 2(11.1%) by craniotomy. All patients had macroadenoma (tumour size >1cm) and histological confirmation of diagnosis. Pre-operative and post-operative visual acuity and its relationship to tumour size and duration of symptoms before diagnosis were evaluated., Results: Data on 18 patients aged 33-60 years, mean (SD) 45.9±8.5, was analysed. Eleven (61.1%) were females. Visual blur, 15(83.3%), and headache,13(72.2%), were predominant presenting complaints. Common neuro-ophthalmic signs included unilateral or bilateral optic atrophy, 17(94.4%), Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect (RAPD) in 8(44.4%) and impaired colour vision in 32 of 36(88.9%) eyes. Preoperatively, 8(22.2%) and 13(36.1%) of 36 eyes were visually impaired or blind respectively. Postoperatively, 6(16.7%) eyes were visually impaired and 17(47.2%) eyes blind. Blindness was associated with late presentation (p<0.005) and larger tumour width (p<0.036)., Conclusions: More than a third of eyes of patients with pituitary adenoma were blind before and after surgery. Blindness was associated with late presentation and larger tumours. Transphenoidal surgery may be beneficial following early diagnosis to avoid irreversible blindness/visual impairment.

Purpose: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) in high-tension glaucomatous eyes and nonglaucomatous eyes with normal intraocular pressure (IOP) and to determine if there is any correlation between CCT and severity of glaucoma, as indicated by vertical cup-to-disc ratio., Methods: A case-control study that involved 506 subjects at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, from August 2006 to July 2007. The cases were patients with (high tension and IOP more than 21 mm Hg) primary open-angle glaucoma, and the controls were patients with normal IOP (less than 21 mm Hg) and no evidence of glaucoma. The main outcome measures were CCT, as measured by ultrasonic pachymetry (model DGH 55 pachmate), and vertical cup-to-disc ratio., Results: Five hundred six subjects were recruited: 253 cases (506 eyes) and 253 controls (505 eyes). The mean CCT of the right eye for the glaucoma cases was 524.28 μm [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.44; SD, 36.85] and for the controls was 530.00 μm (95% CI, 4.56; SD, 35.75). The mean CCT of the left eye for the glaucoma cases was 524.70 μm (95% CI, 4.48; SD, 36.20) and for the controls was 531.06 μm (95% CI, 4.40; SD, 35.52). The relation between CCT and cupping determined by Pearson correlation coefficient yielded values of -0.09 and 0.01 for the right and left eyes, respectively., Conclusion: There was no significant difference between mean CCT of cases and controls in the right eye (P = 0.08), but there was a weakly significant difference in the CCT of the left eye (P = 0.05). Also, there was no correlation between cup-to-disc ratio and CCT.