Kimberly D. Tran

Assessing the Effectiveness of Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) in the Reduction of Ecchymosis and Edema After Oculofacial Surgery: Preliminary Results.

PURPOSEnThe purpose of this study was to provide preliminary data on the potential effectiveness of the combination of topical Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) in reducing postoperative ecchymosis and edema in a select population of healthy volunteers after oculofacial surgery.nnnMETHODSnThis retrospective review examined the postoperative course of healthy volunteers using topical Arnica and Ledum after undergoing common oculofacial procedures, including blepharoplasty, browpexy, and rhinoplasty, in the hands of 4 surgeons at tertiary referral centers from July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 using medical records review. Each patient included had used topical hydrogel pads (OcuMend, Cearna Inc., Chicago, IL) containing Arnica 50u2009M (10) 50% and Ledum 50u2009M (10). The pads were applied bilaterally after surgery through postoperative day 6. At each postoperative visit, the patients were evaluated by their respective surgeons and assigned a subjective physician-patient rating score comparing each patients observed healing compared with expected healing if not using Arnica/Ledum. Photographs of patients undergoing equivalent procedures, but not using Arnica/Ledum were used as controls for comparison. Physician-patient rating scores were categorical: markedly accelerated healing defined as approximately 7 days ahead of expected, accelerated healing, defined as <7 days ahead of expected, and no appreciable difference from expected. The proportion of patients with each physician-patient rating score was calculated for postoperative days 1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and overall. Difference of proportions was calculated with 95% confidence intervals using Newcombe unpaired difference comparison of proportions. Photographs documenting the clinical progression of selected patients are provided.nnnRESULTSnA total of 27 patients (16 females, 11 males) were included in the study. Age range was 18 to 70 years. The majority of patients were white (52.9%), and underwent blepharoplasty (78.9%). The median duration of follow-up was 7 days, range 1 to 14 days. The proportions of patients with markedly accelerated healing were 38.5% (5 of 13), 85.7% (6 of 7), 60.0% (12 of 20), and 51.9% (14 of 27) at POD 1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and overall, respectively. The proportions of patients with accelerated healing at the same time points were 15.4% (2 of 13), 14.3% (1 of 7), 30.0% (6 of 20), and 37.0% (10 of 27), respectively. The proportions of patients with no appreciable difference at the same time points were 46.2% (6 of 13), 0% (0 of 7), 10.0% (2 of 20), and 11.1% (3 of 27) of patients, respectively. The proportion of patients using Arnica/Ledum with markedly accelerated healing was significantly more than the proportion of those demonstrating no appreciable difference from expected at POD 3 to 5 (85.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.05), POD 6 to 8 (60.0% vs. 10.0%), and overall (51.9% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.05). No adverse effects were reported.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe preliminary results from this study demonstrate that the combination of topical Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) may be effective in reducing postoperative ecchymosis and edema after oculofacial surgery.The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary data on the potential effectiveness of the combination of topical Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) in reducing postoperative ecchymosis and edema in a select population of healthy volunteers after oculofacial surgery. nThis retrospective review examined the postoperative course of healthy volunteers using topical Arnica and Ledum after undergoing common oculofacial procedures, including blepharoplasty, browpexy, and rhinoplasty, in the hands of 4 surgeons at tertiary referral centers from July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 using medical records review. Each patient included had used topical hydrogel pads (OcuMend, Cearna Inc., Chicago, IL) containing Arnica 50u2009M (10−100,000) 50% and Ledum 50u2009M (10−100,000). The pads were applied bilaterally after surgery through postoperative day 6. At each postoperative visit, the patients were evaluated by their respective surgeons and assigned a subjective physician–patient rating score comparing each patient’s observed healing compared with expected healing if not using Arnica/Ledum. Photographs of patients undergoing equivalent procedures, but not using Arnica/Ledum were used as controls for comparison. Physician–patient rating scores were categorical: markedly accelerated healing defined as approximately 7 days ahead of expected, accelerated healing, defined as <7 days ahead of expected, and no appreciable difference from expected. The proportion of patients with each physician–patient rating score was calculated for postoperative days 1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and overall. Difference of proportions was calculated with 95% confidence intervals using Newcombe unpaired difference comparison of proportions. Photographs documenting the clinical progression of selected patients are provided. nA total of 27 patients (16 females, 11 males) were included in the study. Age range was 18 to 70 years. The majority of patients were white (52.9%), and underwent blepharoplasty (78.9%). The median duration of follow-up was 7 days, range 1 to 14 days. The proportions of patients with markedly accelerated healing were 38.5% (5 of 13), 85.7% (6 of 7), 60.0% (12 of 20), and 51.9% (14 of 27) at POD 1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and overall, respectively. The proportions of patients with accelerated healing at the same time points were 15.4% (2 of 13), 14.3% (1 of 7), 30.0% (6 of 20), and 37.0% (10 of 27), respectively. The proportions of patients with no appreciable difference at the same time points were 46.2% (6 of 13), 0% (0 of 7), 10.0% (2 of 20), and 11.1% (3 of 27) of patients, respectively. The proportion of patients using Arnica/Ledum with markedly accelerated healing was significantly more than the proportion of those demonstrating no appreciable difference from expected at POD 3 to 5 (85.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.05), POD 6 to 8 (60.0% vs. 10.0%), and overall (51.9% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.05). No adverse effects were reported. nThe preliminary results from this study demonstrate that the combination of topical Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) may be effective in reducing postoperative ecchymosis and edema after oculofacial surgery.

Management of Retinopathy of Prematurity--Use of Anti-VEGF Therapy

Abstract: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Although laser photocoagulation remains the gold standard for treating threshold and prethreshold disease (type 1 ROP), the off‐label use of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) therapy to treat ROP is increasing. Benefits include acute regression of ROP, growth of retinal vasculature beyond the demarcation line, lesser degree of myopia and peripheral visual field loss, and avoidance of sedation and intubation required for laser. However, controversies regarding anti‐VEGF in this vulnerable population persist including choice of anti‐VEGF agent, dosing, systemic absorption, safety, and late recurrence. This review updates recent evidence regarding the use of anti‐VEGF therapy in the management of ROP.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland in a 14-year-old male

ABSTRACT Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the lacrimal gland is an aggressive, malignant epithelial neoplasm. This tumor is rarely seen in adults and even less commonly seen in children and adolescents; thus, there have been no large studies to date describing the optimal treatment of this malignancy in the pediatric population. Here, we report a case of lacrimal gland ACC in a 14-year-old male treated with neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy followed by globe-sparing tumor resection and chemoradiation. At 2-year follow-up, he remains disease free without evidence of tumor recurrence.

Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging After Surgical Closure of Pediatric Traumatic Macular Holes

Purpose: To date, little attention has been directed to retinal photoreceptor migration after traumatic macular hole surgical repair in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in the foveae of pediatric patients with history of traumatic macular hole surgical repair. Methods: Retrospective case series of 3 eyes in 3 pediatric patients with traumatic macular hole surgical repair. Spectral domain OCT images were obtained pre- and postoperatively. Results: We report 3 cases of restoration of the ellipsoid zone with good visual acuity outcomes following macular hole closure. Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography findings of an intact ellipsoid zone may be a predictor of visual acuity and explain better surgical outcomes in the pediatric population.

Imaging Modalities in Pediatric Vitreoretinal Disorders

Purpose of ReviewThis review updates current applications of novel imaging technologies to pediatric vitreoretinal disorders.Recent FindingsUltra-widefield technology has revolutionized retinal imaging in pediatric patients. Color imaging, fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomograpy (OCT) have all been adapted to capture the anterior segment and the posterior pole in children, and serve as valuable tools in diagnosis, management, and documentation of disease processes over time. The role of intraoperative OCT and 3D heads-up visualization technologies continues to evolve with improvement in intraoperative visualization and surgical outcomes.SummaryNew imaging technologies have the ability to improve our understanding and management of pediatric vitreoretinal disorders.

Clinical features, antimicrobial susceptibilities, and treatment outcomes of patients with culture positive endophthalmitis after penetrating keratoplasty

Purpose To report the clinical features organisms and treatment outcomes in patients with endophthalmitis after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) Methods Retrospective noncomparative case series. Results Eleven eyes of 11 patients with culture positive endophthalmitis after PK were included. The time to diagnosis of endophthalmitis from last PK was less than 1 week in 3/11 (27%), between 1 and 4 weeks in 3/11 (27%), and greater than one month in 5/11 (46%) (range 2–924 days). The distribution of isolates included gram positive (GP) 9/11 (82%), gram negative (GN) 1/11 (9%), and fungal 1/11 (9%) species, respectively. Of GP bacteria tested, 9/9 (100%) were sensitive to Vancomycin. Of fungal isolates tested, none (0/1) were sensitive to Amphoteracin, Fluconazole, and/or Voriconazole. Among patients with rim culture data available, 1/7 (14%) donor rims were culture positive for Candida glabrata and 6/7 (86%) were culture negative. Patients were treated with primary tap and inject in 10/11 (91%) and primary vitrectomy in 1/11 (9%). VA of ≥5/200 was present in 2/11 (18%) at time of endophthalmitis diagnosis, and was recorded in 6/11 (55%) at last follow-up. Conclusions and Importance Patients with endophthalmitis after PK presented at variable time points after surgery. Gram positive organisms were the most common isolate. VA outcomes after treatment were generally poor.

Management of inadvertent needle penetration resulting in subretinal triamcinolone acetonide and retinal detachment

Purpose To report management of inadvertent needle penetration during subtenons triamcinolone acetonide administration resulting in retinal detachment. Observations A 71-year-old female with history of diabetes, hypothyroidism, and mild myopia underwent subtenons triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection in the right eye for nodular scleritis. There was unexpected patient movement concurrent with the injection resulting in needle penetration, subretinal and intravitreal injection of TA, superotemporal retinal break, and macula-involving retinal detachment. The patient underwent partial subretinal TA removal, successful retinal detachment repair, and recovered 20/25 visual acuity. Conclusions and importance In spite of prominent subretinal TA and retinal detachment, successful repair of retinal detachment and recovery of good visual acuity is possible.

Multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium chelonae scleral buckle infection

Purpose To describe a case of Multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium chelonae scleral buckle infection. Observations A 56 year-old male with history of retinal detachment repair with scleral buckle 20 years prior presented with 8 months of intermittent pain and redness in the left eye. The patient was diagnosed with scleral buckle infection, the buckle was removed, and cultures revealed multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium chelonae. The postoperative course included orbital cellulitis treated with systemic linezolid, clarithromycin, and imipenem. All systemic antibiotics were discontinued on post-operative day 25, visual acuity improved to 20/25, the retina remained attached, and no recurrence occurred over 3 years of follow-up. Conclusions and importance NTM infections are typically chronic and often require lengthy treatment. SB infection is rare, but often associated with biofilm and antibiotic resistance. In spite of removing the SB, anchoring sutures, sheath surrounding the buckle and associated biofilm, a prolonged course of systemic antibiotics may be necessary in some patients.

Avascular retinal findings in a child with achondroplasia

The authors present clinical and angiographic findings in a 12-year-old girl with achondroplasia who presented with bilateral retinal peripheral nonperfusion and unilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, which has not been previously described in achondroplasia. This report contributes incremental knowledge regarding aberrant retinal vascular phenomena observed in pediatric disease states and implicates the possible role of mutations in the FGFR3 gene in peripheral vascular abnormalities. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:272-274.].

Reply re: "assessing the Efficacy of Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) in the Reduction of Ecchymosis and Edema after Oculofacial Surgery: Preliminary Results"

To the Editor: We appreciate the comments of Drs. Kahana, Black, and Kotlus. The original role of scientific literature was to stimulate a discussion of new ideas. Such was the goal of this article. Unfortunately, some of our colleagues have come to expect that only high-level evidence-based studies will be published in our journals. That is unrealistic and was not the case with our article. Further, we would point out that much of the scientific knowledge base we use daily in clinical medicine is not from randomized, controlled studies, rather uncontrolled studies and case series. There is still tremendous value in these. The role of arnica as a perioperative adjunct to limit edema and ecchymosis has long been debated. Drs Lee, Mack, and I saw the opportunity to perform an observational pilot trial to see whether we found any apparent benefit to the arnica pads for our patients. We were not trying to validate any concepts of homeopathy. When we subjectively evaluated the data, we believed that there was a qualitative benefit. Statistical analysis of the qualitative data was performed, fully recognizing the limitations. Drs. Kahana, Black, and Kotlus are correct that one such limitation is that, without controls, the pads themselves may have been producing the observed effect, rather than the homeopathic levels of arnica. They are correct that additional higher level studies would be appropriate to sort out the true source of our observations. Stuart R. Seiff, M.D. Wendy W. Lee, M.D. William Mack, M.D. Julia Kang, M.D. Kimberly Tran, M.D.