Research Progress on Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment of Tourette Syndrome in Children

Tourette syndrome is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that affects the physical and mental health of children.Early detection,diagnosis,and treatment are crucial to prevent serious impacts on the affected children,their families,and society.In recent years,there has been an increasing trend towards using a combination of methods in the clinical treatment of children with Tourette syndrome.This approach has achieved remarkable results,leading to a reduction in the rate of Tourette syndrome symptoms in children.In recent years,a combination of clinical methods has been used to treat children with Tourette syndrome,resulting in significant improvement in control rates.This article reviews the etiology of infantile Tourette syndrome and the progress made in Chinese and Western medicine treatments,providing a reference for further treatment of the condition.

Dynamic ultrasonography for optimizing treatment position in superior mesenteric artery syndrome:Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta(SMA-Ao).Although the left lateral recumbent position is considered effective in the treatment of SMA syndrome,individual variations in the optimal patient position have been noted.In this report,we present two elderly cases of SMA syndrome that exhibited rapid recovery due to ultrasonographic dynamic evaluation of the optimal position for each patient.CASE SUMMARY Case 1:A 90-year-old man with nausea and vomiting.Following diagnosis of SMA syndrome by computed tomography(CT),ultrasonography(US)revealed the SMA-Ao distance in the supine position(4 mm),which slightly improved in the lateral position(5.7–7.0 mm)without the passage of duodenal contents.However,in the sitting position,the SMA-Ao distance was increased to 15 mm accompanied by improved content passage.Additionally,US indicated enhanced passage upon abdominal massage on the right side.By day 2,the patient could eat comfortably with the optimal position and massage.Case 2:An 87-year-old woman with vomiting.After the diagnosis of SMA syndrome and aspiration pneumonia by CT,dynamic US confirmed the optimal position(SMA-Ao distance was improved to 7 mm in forward-bent position,whereas it remained at 5 mm in the supine position).By day 7 when her pneumonia recovered,she could eat with the optimal position.CONCLUSION The optimal position for SMA syndrome varies among individuals.Dynamic US appears to be a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes.

Nasogastric tube syndrome:A Meta-summary of case reports

BACKGROUND Since its description in 1790 by Hunter,the nasogastric tube(NGT)is commonly used in any healthcare setting for alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms or enteral feeding.However,the risks associated with its placement are often underes-timated.Upper airway obstruction with a NGT is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication.NGT syndrome is characterized by the presence of an NGT,throat pain and vocal cord(VC)paralysis,usually bilateral.It is poten-tially life–threatening,and early diagnosis is the key to the prevention of fatal upper airway obstruction.However,fewer cases may have been reported than might have occurred,primarily due to the clinicians'unawareness.The lack of specific signs and symptoms and the inability to prove temporal relation with NGT insertion has made diagnosing the syndrome quite challenging.AIM To review and collate the data from the published case reports and case series to understand the possible risk factors,early warning signs and symptoms for timely detection to prevent the manifestation of the complete syndrome with life-threatening airway obstruction.METHODS We conducted a systematic search for this meta-summary from the database of PubMed,EMBASE,Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitation-analysis.com/)and Google scholar,from all the past studies till August 2023.The search terms included major MESH terms"Nasogastric tube","Intubation,Gastrointestinal","Vocal Cord Paralysis",and“Syndrome”.All the case reports and case series were evaluated,and the data were extracted for patient demographics,clinical symptomatology,diagnostic and therapeutic interventions,clinical course and outcomes.A datasheet for evaluation was further prepared.RESULTS Twenty-seven cases,from five case series and 13 case reports,of NGT syndrome were retrieved from our search.There was male predominance(17,62.96%),and age at presentation ranged from 28 to 86 years.Ten patients had diabetes mellitus(37.04%),and nine were hypertensive(33.33%).Only three(11.11%)patients were reported to be immunocompromised.The median time for developing symptoms after NGT insertion was 14.5 d(interquartile range 6.25-33.75 d).The most commonly reported reason for NGT insertion was acute stroke(10,37.01%)and the most commonly reported symptoms were stridor or wheezing 17(62.96%).In 77.78%of cases,bilateral VC were affected.The only treatment instituted in most patients(77.78%)was removing the NG tube.Most patients(62.96%)required tracheostomy for airway protection.But 8 of the 23 survivors recovered within five weeks and could be decannulated.Three patients were reported to have died.CONCLUSION NGT syndrome is an uncommon clinical complication of a very common clinical procedure.However,an under-reporting is possible because of misdiagnosis or lack of awareness among clinicians.Patients in early stages and with mild symptoms may be missed.Further,high variability in the presentation timing after NGT insertion makes diagnosis challenging.Early diagnosis and prompt removal of NGT may suffice in most patients,but a significant proportion of patients presenting with respiratory compromise may require tracheostomy for airway protection.

Ziwan-Taoren herb pair can exert an therapeutical effect in primary Sjogren’s syndrome through inhibiting the TLR/NF-κB pathway

Background:Ziwan and Taoren(ZT)is a classic medicine pair in the formula of Mai Dong Di Shao Decoction,has been used to treat primary Sjogren’s syndrome(pSS)for more than 20 years.But its action mechanism is still unknown.This study is aimed to reveal the potential mechanism of ZT treated pSS and discover its active compounds of ZT and therapeutic target for pSS.Methods:Firstly,the potential pathways of ZT for pSS treatment were predicted through network pharmacology and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.Secondly,the inter-structural relationships between active compounds of ZT and target proteins were visualized using molecular docking techniques.Finally,efficacy and mechanism were conducted through in vivo experiments,such as water intake,spleen index,hematoxylin-eosin staining pathological changes,ELISA,Western Blot analysis,and immunofluorescence staining.Results:Nine active compounds were extracted from network pharmacology,including quercitrin,luteolin,kaempferol,β-sitosterol,isorhamnetin,galangin,hederagenin,diosmetin and gibberellin 7.Seven disease targets were identified:RELA,TP53,AKT1,interleukin(IL)6,MAPK1,ESR1,IL10;with RELA being the most core target.KEGG and GO enrichment analysis indicated that ZT may act through the TLR/NF-κB/RELA inflammatory mechanism process.preliminary results of molecular docking showed that ZT’s active compounds bind well to the RELA(p65)receptor.In vivo results demonstrated that a high dose of ZT significantly improved water intake and reduced lymphocytes infiltration in submandibular gland pathology in NOD mice.The expression content of AQP5 and vasoactive intestinal peptide in the submaxillary gland was significantly increased,while levels of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α,IL-6,and IL-1βalong with protein expressions including toll-like receptor4,p-p65 and p-IKKα/βin NF-κB pathway were reduced.Conclusions:The ZT treatment exhibits a promising efficacy in mitigating dryness symptoms of pSS,potentially attributed to its capacity for suppressing the TLR/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.

Successful splenic artery embolization in a patient with Behçet’s syndrome-associated splenic rupture:A case report

BACKGROUND Splenic rupture associated with Behçet’s syndrome(BS)is extremely rare,and there is no consensus on its management.In this case report,a patient with BSassociated splenic rupture was successfully treated with splenic artery embolization(SAE)and had a good prognosis after the intervention.CASE SUMMARY The patient was admitted for pain in the left upper abdominal quadrant.He was diagnosed with splenic rupture.Multiple oral and genital aphthous ulcers were observed,and acne scars were found on his back.He had a 2-year history of BS diagnosis,with symptoms of oral and genital ulcers.At that time,he was treated with oral corticosteroids for 1 month,but the symptoms did not alleviate.He underwent SAE to treat the rupture.On the first day after SAE,the patient reported a complete resolution of abdominal pain and was discharged 5 d later.Three months after the intervention,a computed tomography examination showed that the splenic hematoma had formed a stable cystic effusion,suggesting a good prognosis.CONCLUSION SAE might be a good choice for BS-associated splenic rupture based on good surgical practice and material selection.

What Are the Current and Developing Treatments for Cotard’s Syndrome, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, and Catatonic Schizophrenia?

Purpose: Cotard’s syndrome, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, and Catatonia are all rare psychiatric disorders that have relatively little research regarding their treatments. The aim of this article is to highlight any gaps in knowledge regarding represented demographics in these treatment studies, and to discuss the current and upcoming treatment options. Background: This literature review explores under-researched psychiatric conditions: Cotard’s syndrome, Alice in Wonderland syndrome, and Catatonic Schizophrenia. Understanding psychiatric disorders requires basic knowledge of brain anatomy. These conditions are often result of or associated with neurological issues, such as migraines or tumors. The brain has eight lobes, two of four kinds: frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes, which all govern different functions and abilities. Frontal lobes control judgment, decision-making, personality traits, and fine motor movements. Parietal lobes interpret pain and temperature, occipital lobes handle visual stimuli, and temporal lobes enable hearing. The pre-frontal cortex is associated with high intelligence, psychotic traits, and psychosis. The Broca’s Area in the frontal lobes controls expressive language. These areas and divisions of the brain contribute to the complexity of the psychiatric disorders discussed in this review. Introduction: Cotard’s syndrome is a psychiatric disorder characterized by delusions of being dead or not having certain limbs or organs. It is believed that there is a disconnect between their fusiform face area and the amygdala, causing a lack of familiarity between one’s mind and body. Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS) is another psychiatric disorder which is characterized by visual hallucinations, such as distorted perceptions of color, size, distance, and speed. The most common symptoms include micropsia and macropsia. Catatonia/Catatonic Schizophrenia is an uncommon type of schizophrenia. This type of schizophrenia is characterized by motor rigidity, verbal rigidity, the flat effect, psychomotor retardation, waxy flexibility, and overall negative symptoms. Thus, these people may come off as emotionally detached, and able to stay frozen in odd positions for periods on end. Treatments and Results: Cotard’s syndrome seemed to be most effectively treated by ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS) had the highest positive responses to treatment by Valproate (an anti-epileptic drug), as well as intervention to treat the associated neurological conditions they had. Catatonia/Catatonic Schizophrenia seemed to be most effectively treated with a combination of benzodiazepines and ECT. Discussion and Demographics: In all 3 disorders, the Latino and African communities were underrepresented. There also seemed to be an underrepresentation of men in Cotard’s syndrome, and of women in Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. Japan and India seemed to have the highest density of treatment studies in all 3 disorders.

A Typical Case of Classic Potter’s Syndrome: A Case Report

Potter syndrome is a rare congenital malformation that primarily affects male fetuses;it is characterized by pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal malformation, and kidney abnormalities. The pressure of the uterine wall due to oligohydramnios leads to an unusual facial appearance, abnormal limbs in abnormal positions, or contractures. The fetus generally dies soon after birth due to respiratory insufficiency. The baby was a live preterm male, born to a 30-year-old multigravida, out of a non-consanguineous marriage via cesarean section. There was no liquor at the time of delivery. The baby did not cry immediately after birth and required resuscitation, followed by mechanical ventilation. Multiple congenital anomalies suggestive of Potter’s syndrome were noted including facial features, flattened nose, low protruding ear, retrognathism, and epicanthal folds with unilateral atresia of the choana. Chest X-ray showed small volume lung fields suggestive of pulmonary hypoplasia, and we had on ultrasonography bilateral polycystic kidney disease on ultrasonography. At 42 hours of life, the baby developed tachypnea and severe chest retractions and died due to respiratory insufficiency. Our case highlights the importance of regular prenatal checks and examinations in each pregnancy, which helps to collect suspected cases and improve knowledge of this syndrome for better management.

Renal Vein Thrombosis Suggestive of Extramembranous Glomerulonephritis Associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome (Case Report)

Introduction: Glomerular damage during Gougerot-Sjgren syndrome is much rarer than interstitial damage, and is essentially extra-membranous and membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis. Observation: We report the case of a 44-year-old woman with primary Sjgrens syndrome, confirmed by clinical dryness syndrome, positive anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies, and a salivary gland biopsy revealing grade 4 lymphocytic sialadenitis according to CHISHOLMs classification. Later, the patient developed nephrotic syndrome, along with hypertension. Renal function remained normal with a creatinine level of 9.3 mg/l, and hematuria was absent. Only antinuclear antibodies tested positive, while anti-PLA2R antibodies were negative. A renal biopsy was performed, which was complicated on the same day by hemodynamic instability with hematuria. Renal CT scan with contrast injection revealed a posterior perirenal hematoma without contrast extravasation. Additionally, bilateral renal vein thrombosis was incidentally discovered, suggesting extramembranous glomerulonephritis. The patients hemodynamic status stabilized after fluid resuscitation with isotonic saline solution (0.9%), without the need for blood transfusion. Renal biopsy confirmed extramembranous glomerulonephritis with interstitial fibrosis and minimal tubular atrophy. The initial etiological assessment was negative. The patient was started on oral corticosteroids, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and therapeutic anticoagulation for renal vein thrombosis. The patients condition improved, with the disappearance of the syndrome and spontaneous regression of the hematoma. Discussion: The association of nephrotic syndrome and renal vein thrombosis primarily suggests glomerulopathy, in particular extra-membranous glomerulonephritis. Sjgrens syndrome can be associated with extra-membranous glomerulonephritis without being its direct cause. Like, it is possible that it is a cause of glomerulonephritis, essentially extra membranous and membrano-proliferative. Conclusion: Sjgrens syndrome is generally underestimated cause of glomerulonephritis, which should be considered in cases of extra-membranous glomerulonephritis.

Effects of human mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in the bilateral corpus striatum in a rat model of Tourette's syndrome

Tourette＇s syndrome is treated by behavioral or pharmacological therapy.However,patients with malignant Tourette＇s syndrome also exhibit life-threatening symptoms,which are unresponsive to conservative treatments or neurosurgical procedures,such as deep brain stimulation.In recent years,mesenchymal stem cells（MSCs）have shown therapeutic potential in many neurological diseases.Therefore,the present study proposed to use MSC transplantation as a novel therapy for Tourette＇s syndrome.Stereotypic behaviors in Tourette＇s syndrome rats decreased significantly at21 days after human MSCs transplantation into the striatum.Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed survival of transplanted human MSCs and differentiation into neurons and astrocytes in the rat brain.Results suggest that intrastriatal transplantation of human MSCs could provide therapeutic potential for Tourette＇s syndrome.

Navigating Long-Term Management Challenges in Short Bowel Syndrome: A Case Report of Chronic Intestinal Failure Complicated by Kidney Dysfunction

The most common cause of intestinal failure is short bowel syndrome (SBS), occurring as a result of a small functional intestine length, usually less than 200 cm, leading to intestinal malabsorption. A 59-year-old female with a past medical history of Crohns disease status post total colectomy with ileostomy over 20 years ago came to the hospital due to progressive weakness. Despite medical management, the patient had high ileostomy output, leading to electrolyte disbalance, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and progressive kidney decline. Due to the high dependence on continuous fluid supplementation, it was decided to place a port for parenteral hydration to maintain fluid replacements and homeostasis after discharge. Prompt initiation of parenteral fluid replacement and close follow-up on patients with ileostomy and intestinal failure is strongly recommended to avoid complications and prevent intestinal, liver, or kidney transplants.

中药联合重复经颅磁刺激治疗Tourette综合征的临床疗效观察

目的观察中药联合重复经颅磁刺激治疗Tourette综合征的临床疗效。方法选取2021年1月至2023年7月在成都市中西医结合医院儿童康复中心就诊的Tourette综合征患儿58例,随机分为西药组20例、中药组17例和联合治疗组21例。西药组给予阿立哌唑片;中药组给予静心止动方制成免煎颗粒剂;联合治疗组在中药组治疗基础上加低频重复经颅磁刺激治疗。治疗疗程均12周。疗程结束后观察各组疗效、耶鲁综合抽动严重程度量表(YGTSS)评分、Conners父母问卷6项因子评分及安全性评价。结果3组临床总有效率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。YGTSS评分的组别*时间交互效应有统计学意义(P<0.05),3组YGTSS评分均随治疗时间递减,与本组治疗前比较,3组治疗均能有效改善YGTSS评分(P=0.000),治疗后3组YGTSS评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。Conners父母问卷在品行问题、身心障碍、冲动多动和多动指数4个因子评分的组别*时间交互效应有统计学意义(P<0.05)。3组Conners父母问卷各因子评分均随治疗时间递减,与本组治疗前比较,3组治疗均能有效改善Conners父母问卷各因子评分,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。联合治疗组在品行问题、身心障碍、冲动多动及多动指数4个因子的改善优于西药组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),在冲动多动和多动指数2个因子的改善优于中药组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。3组治疗在学习问题和焦虑2个因子比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论中药联合低频重复经颅磁治疗Tourette综合征不仅能更快缓解抽动症状,同时可更有效改善患儿身心障碍及品行问题等相关心理、情绪障碍,特别在改善多动、冲动相关问题行为方面具有更显著的疗效,值得临床推广应用。

Tourette syndrome associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: The impact of tics and psychopharmacological treatment options

Tourette syndrome(TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple chronic motor and vocal tics beginning in childhood. Several studies describe the association between TS and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). Fifty percent of children diagnosed with ADHD have comorbid tic disorder. ADHD related symptoms have been reported in 35% to 90% of children with TS. Since ADHD is the most prevalent comorbid condition with TS and those with concomitant TS and ADHD present with considerable psychosocial and behavioral impairments, it is essential for clinicians to be familiar with these diagnoses and their management. This paper highlights the association between treating ADHD with stimulants and the development of tic disorders. The two cases discussed underscore the fact that children with TS may present with ADHD symptomatology prior to the appearance of any TS related symptoms. Appropriate management of TS in a patient diagnosed with ADHD can lead to quality of life improvements and a reduction in psychosocial impairments.

Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with treatment-refractory Tourette syndrome:An evidence-based survey in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND Tourette syndrome(TS)is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by tics,as well as a variety of psychiatric comorbidities,such as obsessivecompulsive disorders(OCDs),attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),anxiety,and self-injurious behavior.TS might progress to treatment-refractory Tourette syndrome(TRTS)in some patients.However,there is no confirmed evidence in pediatric patients with TRTS.AIM To investigate the clinical characteristics of TRTS in a Chinese pediatric sample.METHODS A total of 126 pediatric patients aged 6-12 years with TS were identified,including 64 TRTS and 62 non-TRTS patients.The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale(YGTSS),Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale(PUTS),and Child Behavior Checklist(CBCL)were used to assess these two groups and compared the difference between the TRTS and non-TRTS patients.RESULTS When compared with the non-TRTS group,we found that the age of onset for TRTS was younger(P<0.001),and the duration of illness was longer(P<0.001).TRTS was more often caused by psychosocial(P<0.001)than physiological factors,and coprolalia and inappropriate parenting style were more often present in the TRTS group(P<0.001).The TRTS group showed a higher level of premonitory urge(P<0.001),a lower intelligence quotient(IQ)(P<0.001),and a higher percentage of family history of TS.The TRTS patients demonstrated more problems(P<0.01)in the“Uncommunicative”,“Obsessive-Compulsive”,“Social-Withdrawal”,“Hyperactive”,“Aggressive”,and“Delinquent”subscales in the boys group,and“Social-Withdrawal”(P=0.02)subscale in the girls group.CONCLUSION Pediatric TRTS might show an earlier age of onset age,longer duration of illness,lower IQ,higher premonitory urge,and higher comorbidities with ADHD-related symptoms and OCD-related symptoms.We need to pay more attention to the social communication deficits of TRTS.

Pregnancy risk markers in Tourette syndrome: A systematic review

The published literature on the prevalence of pregnancy risk markers in patients with Tourette Syndrome (TS) was reviewed. PubMed was searched for papers describing studies of pregnancy risk markers in TS. All years and languages were searched, and the reference sections of each paper were also reviewed for additional citations. We identified 20 studies reporting on pregnancy risk markers in 1588 subjects with TS. Six studies used comparison populations and two utilized twins for comparisons. Three risk markers (decreased birth weight, father’s age, and number of prior terminations of pregnancy) were identified as possible risk markers for TS. To date, no pregnancy risk marker has been demonstrated to increase risk for development of TS, to increase syndromal severity, rates of comorbidity, or to increase duration of TS.

Syndrome differentiation of Zang-Fu for Tourette syndrome in children

As a kind of psychoneurotic disease, the incidence of Tourette syndrome (TS) is increasing graduaLy in recent years. Modern medicine for the pathogenesis of this disease has not been cteary in the treatment is mainty symptomatic treatment. Based on syndrome differentiation and treatment traditional medicine treats the unique system of etiotogy and pathogenesis of the disease, and achieves remarkable results in treatment. Chinese medicine treatment of children's diseases generaLy from the viscera diatecticaL In this paper, we summarize the ctinicat experience of the treatment of pediatric TS by syndrome differentiation of viscera in order to provide reference for the ctinicat treatment and research of pediatric TS.

Observation on the Curative Effect of Acupuncture on Child Tourette＇s Syndrome

目的：讨论应用扶土抑木法针刺治疗儿童抽动秽语综合征的疗效。方法：将45例抽动秽语综合征患儿按随机数字表法分为针刺组（23例）和西药组（22例），针刺组选取中脘和四关穴，同时配合其他常规穴位针刺治疗，西药组口服氟哌啶醇常规治疗。结果：治疗组治愈率为65．2％，西药组治愈率31．8％，两组治愈率比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：扶土抑木法针刺治疗儿童抽动秽语综合征疗效确切。

Treatment of 102 Cases of Tourette＇s Syndrome with Acupuncture plus Herbal Medicine

102例抽动-秽语综合征患者分为肝肾阴虚型、痰湿阻滞型和脾胃虚弱型三型。采用针刺，耳穴贴压，拔罐和中药相结合的方法进行治疗。结果显效30例，有效61例，无效11例，总有效率89．2％。治疗过程中未见任何毒副作用。

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome:Diagnosis and management

Superior mesenteric artery(SMA)syndrome(also known as Wilkie's syndrome,cast syndrome,or aorto-mesenteric compass syndrome)is an obstruction of the duodenum caused by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta.The median age of patients is 23 years old(range 0-91 years old)and predominant in females over males with a ratio of 3:2.The symptoms are variable,consisting of postprandial abdominal pain,nausea and vomiting,early satiety,anorexia,and weight loss and can mimic anorexia nervosa or functional dyspepsia.Because recurrent vomiting leads to aspiration pneumonia or respiratory depression via metabolic alkalosis,early diagnosis is required.The useful diagnostic modalities are computed tomography as a standard tool and ultrasonography,which has advantages in safety and capability of real-time assessments of SMA mobility and duodenum passage.The initial treatment is usually conservative,including postural change,gastroduodenal decompression,and nutrient management(success rates:70%-80%).If conservative therapy fails,surgical treatment(i.e.,laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy)is recommended(success rates:80%-100%).

Persistent Xerophthalmia in a Patient with Rheumatological Disease and Priiviary Sjogren’s Syndrome: Case Report from Northern Brazil

This case study aims to contribute to the literature in order to highlight the importance of this collaboration between medical specialties. A female patient R.N.N. F, age 66, from the city of Manaus, with a previous diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome in regular follow-up by the Rheumatology team at the Araujo Lima outpatient clinic and referred to the Ophthalmology sector for complementary evaluation related to visual discomfort. The fundoscopy performed in the patient was within normal limits, but the symptoms experienced by her proved to be an important clinical finding, which has ratified the need for regular and multidisciplinary follow-up. This report unequivocally demonstrates that even in the face of tests considered within the expected limits for a given population, the clinical presentation can be specific and particular for each analyzed individual. Early screening exams should contemplate the patient in a holistic and individualized way whenever possible.

Visual resolution under photopic and mesopic conditions in patients with Sjogren's syndrome

AIM:To focus on different visual resolution tasks under photopic and mesopic conditions in Sjogren’s syndrome patients compared to age-matched healthy controls.METHODS:The visual resolution measurements included high and low visual acuities and contrast sensitivity functions.These tests were conducted under photopic and then mesopic conditions.Twenty-one Sjögren’s syndrome patients and 21 aged-matched healthy volunteers completed all the measurements in this study.RESULTS:Sjogren’s syndrome patients have greater impairment in contrast sensitivity than standardized visual acuity.This reduction was significant under the mesopic condition.Also,Sjogren’s syndrome patients treated with pilocarpine suffer more than patients without pilocarpine treatment under low light conditions.CONCLUSION:Sjogren’s syndrome patients shows greater impairment in different visual resolution tasks due to dry eye symptoms.