A New Classification for Retinitis Pigmentosa Including Multifocal Electroretinography to Evaluate the Disease Severity

Aim: To establish a useful and objective classification for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to evaluate the disease severity. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) width, ellipsoid zone width on optic cohorence tomography (OCT) and multifocal electroretinography (mf ERG) values were obtained from medical records of patients with RP. A scoring criterion was developed wherein each variable was assigned a score from 0 to 5 depending on its distribution. The cumulative score (from 0 to 20) was used to classify disease severity from grade 0 to 5. The scores were correlated with each other and the final grade. Results: Data of 152 eyes of 92 patients who had the results of all tests were reviewed. The mean age was 41.2 years. The mean VA of the patients was 0.13 ± 0.16 Snellen lines. The majority of patients had a VA less than 20/40 (88.6%), a visual field smaller than 20˚ (78%), and an ellipsoid zone width smaller than 7˚ (84.4%). The majority of the patients (85.4%) were in advanced stage of the disease (Grade 4 and 5). Conclusions: We present a simple, objective and easy to use disease severity classification for RP which can be used to categorize patients and to evaluate and compare treatment results.

Biliary fistula and late recurrence of liver hydatid cyst:Role of cystobiliary communication:A prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND Hydatid cyst disease(HCD)is common in certain locations.Surgery is associated with postoperative biliary fistula(POBF)and recurrence.The primary aim of this study was to identify whether occult cysto-biliary communication(CBC)can predict recurrent HCD.The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD.AIM To identify whether occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD.The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and ALP levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD.METHODS From September 2010 to September 2016,a prospective multicenter study was undertaken involving 244 patients with solitary primary superficial stage cystic echinococcosis 2 and cystic echinococcosis 3b HCD who underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy with omentoplasty.Univariable logistic regression analysis assessed independent factors determining biliary complications and recurrence.RESULTS There was a highly statistically significant association(P≤0.001)between cystic fluid biochemical indices and the development of biliary complications(of 16 patients with POBF,15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels),where patients with high bilirubin-ALP levels were 3405 times more likely to have biliary complications.There was a highly statistically significant association(P≤0.001)between biliary complications,biochemical indices,and the occurrence of recurrent HCD(of 30 patients with recurrent HCD,15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP;all 16 patients who had POBF later developed recurrent HCD),where patients who developed biliary complications and high bilirubin-ALP were 244.6 and 214 times more likely to have recurrent hydatid cysts,respectively.CONCLUSION Occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD.Elevated cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels predicted POBF and recurrent HCD.

Bouveret's syndrome complicated by a distal gallstone ileus

AIM:Gastric outlet obstruction caused by duodenal impaction of a large gallstone migrated through a cholecystoduodenal fistula has been referred as Bouveret's syndrome.Endoscopic lithotomy is the first-step treatment, however,surgery is indicated in case of failure or complication during this procedure. METHODS:We report herein an 84-year-old woman presenting with features of gastric outlet obstruction due to impacted gallstone.She underwent an endoscopic retrieval which was unsuccessful and was further complicated by distal gallstone ileus.Physical examination was irrelevant. RESULTS:Endoscopy revealed multiple erosions around the cardia,a large stone in the second part of the duodenum causing complete obstruction,and wide ulceration in the duodenal wall where the stone was impacted.Several attempts of endoscopic extraction by using foreign body forceps failed and surgical intervention was mandatory.Preoperative ultrasound evidenced pneumobilia whilst computerized tomography showed a large stone,5 cm×4 cm×3 cm,logging at the proximal jejunum and another one,2.5 cm×2 cm×2 cm, in the duodenal bulb causing a closed-loop syndrome.She underwent laparotomy and the jejunal stone was removed by enterotomy.Another stone reported as located in the duodenum preoperatively was found to be present in the gallbladder by intraoperative ultrasound.Therefore, cholecystoduodenal fistula was broken down,the stone was retrieved and cholecystectomy with duodenal repair was carried out.She was discharged after an uneventful postoperative course.CONCLUSION: As the simplest and the least morbid procedure, endoscopic stone retrieval should be attempted in the treatment of patients with Bouveret's syndrome.When it fails, surgical lithotomy consisting of simple enterotomy may solve the problem. Although cholecystectomy and cholecystoduodenal fistula breakdown is unnecessary

Comparison of visual acuity, refractive results and complications of femtosecond laser with mechanical microkeratome in LASIK

AIM: To compare the outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) performed with a femtosecond laser (Femtec, Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH, Germany) versus a mechanical microkeratome (Hansatome, Bausch and Lomb, USA) for the correction of myopia and astigmatism. ·METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients who had undergone LASIK using the 80 -kHz Femtec femtosecond laser were compared to age- and refraction- matched patients in whom the Hansatome microkeratome was used. Refractive and visual results 1 month and 3 months postoperatively, and complication rates were compared between the two groups. ·RESULTS: A total of 280 eyes were analyzed (140 in each group). At 3 months postoperatively in the Femtec vs Hansatome group, spherical equivalent refraction was within ±1.00D of emmetropia in 140 vs 138 eyes (P = 0.498), the cylinder was within ±0.50D in 137 vs 139 eyes (P =0.622), and the UDVA was 20/20 or better in 136 vs 137 eyes (P =0.724), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (P =0.099). ·CONCLUSION: LASIK performed both with Femtec femtosecond laser and Hansatome microkeratome achieved satisfactory refractive and visual results at 3 months postoperatively, without significant differences in efficacy, safety, and complication rates between the two procedures.

Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell implantation in retinitis pigmentosa: a 6-month follow-up results of a phase 3 trial

AIM:To investigate the efficacy and the safety of umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell(UC-MSC)implantation in patients with retinitis pigmentosa(RP).METHODS:This prospective,single-center,phase 3 clinical study enrolled 124 eyes of 82 RP patients.The patients received 5 million UC-MSCs to the suprachoroidal area with a surgical procedure.Patients were evaluated on the 1st day,1st,and 6th months postoperatively.Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),anterior segment and fundus examinations,color photography,optical coherence tomography(OCT),and visual field(VF)tests were carried out at each visit.Fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA)and multifocal electroretinography(mfERG)recordings were performed at the end of the 6th month.Ocular and systemic adverse events of the surgical procedure were also noted.RESULTS:All of the 82 patients completed the 6-month follow-up period.None of them had any serious systemic or ocular complications.There were statistically significant improvements in BCVA and VF during the study(all P<0.05).The amplitudes of the P1 waves in the central areas showed significant improvements in mfERG recordings.There were also significant increases in implicit times of P1 waves in the central areas.CONCLUSION:Suprachoroidal administration of UC-MSCs has beneficial effect on BCVA,VF,and mfERG measurements during the 6-month follow-up period.Cell mediated therapy based on the secretion of growth factors(GFs)seems to be an effective and safe option for degenerative retinal diseases.

Comparison of pediatric and adult antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infections

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD) and Clostridum difficile infections(CDI) have been well studied for adult cases, but not as well in the pediatric population. Whether the disease process or response to treatments differs between pediatric and adult patients is an important clinical concern when following global guidelines based largely on adult patients. A systematic review of the literature using databases Pub Med(June 3, 1978-2015) was conducted to compare AAD and CDI in pediatric and adult populations and determine significant differences and similarities that might impact clinical decisions. In general, pediatric AAD and CDI have a more rapid onset of symptoms, a shorter duration of disease and fewer CDI complications(required surgeries and extended hospitalizations) than in adults. Children experience more community-associated CDI and are associated with smaller outbreaks than adult cases of CDI. The ribotype NAP1/027/BI is more common in adults than children. Children and adults share some similar risk factors, but adults have more complex risk factor profiles associated with more co-morbidities, types of disruptive factors and a wider range of exposures to C. difficile in the healthcare environment. The treatment of pediatric and adult AAD is similar(discontinuing or switching the inciting antibiotic), but other treatment strategies for AAD have not been established. Pediatric CDI responds better to metronidazole, while adult CDI responds better to vancomycin. Recurrent CDI is not commonly reported for children. Prevention for both pediatric and adult AAD and CDI relies upon integrated infection control programs, antibiotic stewardship and may include the use of adjunctive probiotics. Clinical presentation of pediatric AAD and CDI are different than adult AAD and CDI symptoms. These differences should be taken into account when rating severity of disease and prescribing antibiotics.

Effect of early preoperative 5-fluorouracil on the integrity of colonic anastomoses in rats

AIM： To determine the effect of chemotherapy on wound healing by giving early preoperative 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） to rats with colonic anastomoses.METHODS： Sixty Albino-Wistar male rats （median weight, 235 g） were used in this study. The rots were fed with standard laboratory food and given tap water ad libitum. The animals were divided into three groups： Group 1： Control group （chemotherapy was not administered）, Group 2： Intraperitoneally （IP） administered 5-FU group （chemotherapy was administered IP to animals at a dose of 20 mg/kg daily during the 5 d preceeding surgery）, Group 3： Intravenously （IV） administered 5-FU group. Chemotherapy was administered v/a the penil vein, using the same dosing scheme and duration as the second group. After a 3-d rest to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy, both groups underwent surgery. One centimeter of colon was resected 2 cm proximally from the peritoneal reflection, then sutured intermittently and subsequently end-to-end anastomosed. In each group, half the animals were given anaesthesia on the 3rd postoperative （PO） day and the other half on the 7th PO day, for in vivo analytic procedures. The abdominal incisions in the rats were dissected, all the new and old anastomotic segments were clearly seen and bursting pressures of each anastomotic segment, tissue hydroxyproline levels and DNA content were determined to assess the histologic tissue repair process. RESULTS： When the IV group was compared with the IP group, bursting pressures of the anastomotic segments on the 3rd and 7th PO days, were found to be significantly decreased, hydroxyproline levels at the anastomotic segment on the 7th PO day were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： In this study, we conclude that early preoperative 5-FU, administered IV, negatively affects wound healing. However, IP administered 5-FU does not negatively affect wound healing.

Vanishing bile duct and Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with ciprofloxacin treated with tacrolimus

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a rare cause of progressive cholestasis. Both syndromes are mostly related with drugs. We report a case of a patient with ciprofloxacin-induced SJS and acute onset of VBDS, and reviewed the related literature. It is the fi rst case of ciprofloxacin-induced VBDS successfully treated with tacrolimus. This case reminds physicians of the importance of drug reactions, their severity, techniques for diagnosis and methods of management.

Current adjuvant treatment modalities for gastric cancer:From history to the future

The discrepancy between the surgical technique and the type of adjuvant chemotherapy used in clinical trials and patient outcomes in terms of overall survival rates has led to the generation of different adjuvant treatment protocols in distinct parts of the world.The adjuvant treatment recommendation is generally chemoradiotherapy in the United States,perioperative chemotherapy in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe,and chemotherapy in Asia.These options mainly rely on the United States Intergroup-0116,United Kingdom British Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy,and the Asian Adjuvant Chemotherapy Trial of S-1 for Gastric Cancer and Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin Adjuvant Study in Stomach Cancer trials.However,the benefits were evident for only certain patients,which were not very homogeneous regarding the type of surgery,chemotherapy regimens,and stage of disease.Whether the dissimilarities in survival are attributable to surgical technique or intrinsic biological differences is a subject of debate.Regardless of the extent of surgery,multimodal therapy may offer modest survival advantage at least for diseases with lymph node involvement.Moreover,in the era of individualized treatment for most of the other cancer types,identification of special subgroups comprising those who will derive more or no benefit from adjuvant therapy merits further investigation.The aim of this review is to reveal the historical evolution and future reflections of adjuvant treatment modalities for resected gastric cancer patients.

Clinical implication of hematological indices in the essential hypertension

Prognostic value of haematological indices,especially red cell distribution width,neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume,was reported with numerous investigations in miscellaneous cardiovascular settings.Their major prognostic value was linked to oxidative stress and inflammation since their level was correlated with major inflammatory markers such as high sensitive C-reactive protein and interleukins.Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are also postulated as the main pathophysiologic mechanism of essential hypertension(HT) and its vascular complication.Recently,correlation between HT and haematological parameters was searched in numerous studies,which has made the topic more popular.Herein,we reveal the correlation between haematological indices and HT and we also demonstrate the clinical implication of this correlation.Impaired haematological parameters may strongly indicate hypertensive end-organ damage.

Effect of harmless acute pancreatitis score, red cell distribution width and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio on the mortality of patients with nontraumatic acute pancreatitis at the emergency department

BACKGROUND: Harmless acute pancreatitis score(HAPS), neutrophile/lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width(RDW) are used to determine the early prognosis of patients diagnosed with nontraumatic acute pancreatitis in the emergency department(ED).METHODS: Patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis(K 85.9) in the ED according to the ICD10 coding during one year were included in the study. Patients with chronic pancreatitis and those who had missing data in their files were excluded from the study. Patients who did not have computed tomography(CT) in the ED were not included in the study.RESULTS: Ultimately, 322 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 53.1(IQR=36–64). Of the patients, 68.1%(n=226) had etiological causes of the biliary tract. The mortality rate of these patients within the first 48 hours was 4.3%(n=14). In the logistic regression analysis performed by using Balthazar classification, HAPS score, RDW, neutrophile/lymphocyte ratio, age, diabetes mellitus and systolic blood pressure, the only independent variable in determining mortality was assigned as Balthazar classification(OR: 15; 95% CI: 3.5 to 64.4).CONCLUSIONS: HAPS, neutrophile/lymphocyte ratio and RDW were not effective in determining the mortality of nontraumatic acute pancreatitis cases within the first 48 hours. The only independent variable for determining the mortality was Balthazar classifi cation.

Imatinib response of gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients with germline mutation on KIT exon 13:A family report

Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder associated with mutations in the KIT gene in the majority of cases. Although, exon 11 appears to be the hot spot region for approximately 95% of germline mutations, pathogenic variations have also been identified in exon 8, 13 and 17. Exon 13 germline mutations are extremely rare amongst familial GISTs and seven families with a germline mutation have been reported to date. Moreover, the role of imatinib mesylate in this rare familiar settings is not completely known so far. We describe here clinical, imaging, pathological and genetic findings of a family with four affected members; grandmother, his son and two grand-sons having a germline gain-of-function mutation of KIT in exon 13 and discuss the imatinib mesylate treatment surveillance outcomes towards disease management.

Colorectal stenting for palliation and as a bridge to surgery:A 5-year follow-up study

AIM: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of colonic stents in colorectal tumors causing large bowel obstruction.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 49 patients with colorectal cancer who had undergone colorectal stent placement between January 2008 and January 2013. Patients' symptoms,characteristics and clinicopathological data were obtained by reviewing medical records. The obstruction was diagnosed clinically and radiologically. Histopathological diagnosis was achieved endoscopically. Technical success rate(TSR)was defined as the ratio of patients with correctly placed SEMS upon stent deployment across the entire stricture length to total number of patients. Clinical success rate(CSR) was defined as the ratio of patients with technical success and successful maintenance of stent function before elective surgery(regardless of number of SEMS deployed) to total number of patients. The surgical success rate(SSR) of colorectal stent as a bridge to surgery was defined as the ratio of patients with successful surgical procedures. Unsuccessful surgical outcomes were defined as being due to insufficient colonic decompression. The technical,clinical,surgical success rates and complications after stenting were assessed.RESULTS: The median age of patients was 64(36 to 89). 44.9% of patients were male and 55.1% were female. Eighteen patients had the obstruction located in the rectum,15 patients in the rectosigmoid region,10 patients in the sigmoid region,and 6 patients had a tumor causing obstruction in the proximal colon. Each patient was categorized pathologically as stage 2(32.7%,16 patients) or stage 3(42.9%,21 patients) and 12 patients(24.4%) had metastatic disease. None of the patients received chemotherapy before stenting. Stenting was undertaken in 37 patients as a bridge to surgery,and in 12 patients stents were used for palliation. Median time to surgery after stenting was 30 ± 91.9 d. All surgery was completed in one single operation and thus no colostomy with stoma was needed. The median overall survival rate of patients with stage 2-3 colorectal cancer was 53.1 mo and stage 4 was 37.1 mo(P = 0.04). Metastatic colorectal patients who were treated palliatively with stents had backbone chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and/or irinotecan-based regimens plus antiangiogenic therapies,especially bevacizumab. Resolution of the obstruction and clinical improvement was achieved in all patients. The technical,clinical and surgical success rates were 95.9%,100% and 94.6%,respectively.CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of colonic stents was demonstrated both as a bridge to surgery and for palliative decompression. In addition,results emphasize the importance of the skills of the endoscopist in colonic stenting.

Cross-Validation of the Turkish Version of the 28-Item Impact of Vision Impairment Profile Test

Purpose: To translate the original 28-item Impact of Vision Impairment Profile into Turkish and to investigate its validity and reliability. Methods: Patients with no limitations to respond and affected by a chronic eye disease including retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and diabetic macular edema which cause low vision were enrolled. The Turkish version of the IVI test was administered to all participants. The linguistic translation followed the international guidelines of forward and backward translation. 256 subjects who had a Snellen visual acuity of 6/12 or worse in the eye with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) completed the Turkish version of the IVI-28 item. Psychometric evaluation of the Turkish IVI test involved the assessment of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent and known-groups validity. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 53.67 ± 17.22 years. There were 256 patients with one of the following conditions: 105 RP (41%), 77 ARMD (30%), 74 DME (29%). Patients with lower visual acuity (VA) had lower index scores than those with higher VA (p = 0.001), which showed a sufficient responsiveness. Conclusion: Statistical analysis showed that Turkish version of the IVI-28 item is a valid and reliable instrument to measure vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in patients with low vision.

Arthroscopic Removal of Metallic Suture Anchors Placed after Bankart Repair

Purpose: The aim of this study was to present our surgical outcomes in patients who underwent arthroscopic removal of poorly positioned and/or proud metallic suture anchors applied during or after Bankart repair. Methods: A total of 14 patients who underwent open or arthroscopic Bankart repair with an initial presentation of traumatic shoulder instability between January 2010 and January 2017 and admitted to our center with complaints due to poorly positioned and/or proud metallic suture anchors were enrolled. Pre- and intraoperative findings, surgical outcomes and complications were reviewed. Diagnosis of proud or poorly positioned suture anchors was established using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of shoulder in five cases, and with shoulder arthroscopy in nine patients. Outcomes were measured by the use of the CONSTANT score and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score. Results: Eleven male and three female patients with an average age of 29.21 ± 5.78 (range, 20 to 42) were enrolled in the present study. Revision Bankart repair was performed arthroscopically in all patients. The mean follow-up period was 40.4 months, ranging from 18 to 64 months. The preoperative Constant and ASES scores were 68.43 ± 7.05 and 38.3 ± 19.4, respectively. Postoperatively, the scores were 89.64 ± 5.39 and 89.07 ± 3.89, respectively (p Conclusion: To conclude, arthroscopy may yield an effective surgical option for removal of poorly positioned and/or proud metallic suture anchors after Bankart repair. However, further clinical reports on larger series are warranted to document the efficacy of this procedure in selected cases.

Post-discharge mortality in the first wave of COVID-19 in Turkey

Objective:To determine post-discharge mortality and associated factors of the first-wave multicenter Turkish Thoracic Society(TTD)-TURCOVID study.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study,we analyzed the data of 18 of 26 centers included in the first TTD-TURCOVID study,and 1112 cases diagnosed with COVID-19 between 11 March and 31 July 2020 participated in the study.All causes of death after COVID-19 discharge were recorded.Results:The mean age of the patients was(51.07±16.93)years,with 57.6%male patients.In the cohort group,89.1%of COVID-19 treatment locations were hospital wards,3.6%were intensive care units(ICUs),and 7.2%were community outpatients.In the longterm follow-up,the in-hospital mortality rate was 3.6%(95%CI 2.6-4.8),the post-discharge mortality rate was 2.8%(95%CI 1.9-3.9),and the total mortality was 6.3%(95%CI 5.0-7.8).After discharge,63.3%of mortality overall occurred during the first six months.Mortality rates in post-discharge follow-ups were 12.7%(95%CI 8.0-30.6)in cancer patients,10.8%(95%CI 6.3-22.9)in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients,11.1%(95%CI 4.4-22.7)in heart failure patients,7.8(95%CI 3.8-14.3)in atherosclerotic heart disease patients,and 2.3%(95%CI 0.8-5.6)in diabetes mellitus patients.In smokers/ex-smokers,the all-mortality rates were higher than in non-smokers.Conclusions:This multicenter study showed that patients over 65 years of age,males,former/active smoker,ICU stay,lung,heart disease,and malignancy should be followed up for at least the first six months after discharge due to COVID-19.

A practical approach to imaging characteristics and standardized reporting of COVID-19:A radiologic review

Novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV),also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),is a pathogen that has caused a rapidly spreading pandemic all over the world.The primary mean of transmission is inhalation with a predilection for respiratory system involvement,especially in the distal airways.The disease that arises from this novel coronavirus is named coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).COVID-19 may have a rapid and devastating course in some cases leading to severe complications and death.Radiological imaging methods have an invaluable role in diagnosis,follow-up,and treatment.In this review,radiological imaging findings of COVID-19 have been systematically reviewed based on the published literature so far.Radiologic reporting templates are also emphasized from a different point of view,considering specific distinctive patterns of involvement.

Isolated dorsal approach for the treatment of neglected volar metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations

Here, we present the clinical and radiological results of three neglected volar metacarpophalangeal dislocations in 2 patients, which were treated with open reductions 10 and 24 mo after the dislocations. There was a mean of a 20°(range 10°-30°) limitation of extension and a 53.3°(range 30°-70°) limitation of flexion preoperatively. Postoperatively, there was no limitation of extension(at 8 and 12 mo) in any of the fingers. In terms of flexion, one finger had full function, one had a 10° and the last one had a 30° limitation of flexion. Two of the fingers presented anesthesia preoperatively, which improved to hypesthesia postoperatively. One finger had hypesthesia, which improved postoperatively. During surgery, a ruptured dorsal capsule was found to have interposed into the joint, making closed reduction impossible. Our experience with these two patients demonstrated that, even in neglected cases, open reduction using an isolated dorsal approach may result in satisfactory clinical andradiological outcomes.

Does Stem Cell Implantation Have an Effect on Severity of Retinitis Pigmentosa: Evaluation with a Classification System?

Background: Cell replacement therapies have been evaluated in recent years as an alternative for various retinal pathologies to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of cell therapy, it is important to measure the severity of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of umbilical cord derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell (UC-MSC) implantation on severity of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Methods: This single-center, clinical study included data of 138 eyes of 92 patients who had a confirmed diagnosis of RP and received stem cell implantation to the suprachoroidal area with a surgical procedure. Patients were evaluated before and 1 year after the surgery regarding to the outcome measures of Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Visual Field (VF) tests. BCVA, VF width and ellipsoid zone (EZ) width on OCT were recorded for each patient and a scoring criterion was established for each variable varying from 0 to 5 depending on its distribution. The cumulative score (from 0 to 15) was used to classify disease severity from grade 0 to 5. Results: All of the patients completed 12-month follow-up period. The median age of the patients was 40.8 years, 46% were female, 77% had been diagnosed within 10 years and 41% had a family history. 79% of the patients with family history had autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. There were statistically significant improvements in the mean BCVA and VF scores during the study (p < 0.05). The mean score and the mean grade of the disease also improved after the treatment (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between BCVA improvement and scoring and grading of the disease. Conclusions: This study demonstrated beneficial effect of suprachoroidally applied UC-MSCs on BCVA, VF and the severity score and grade of the disease during 12-month follow-up period. Cell mediated therapy based on the secretion of Growth Factors (GFs) seems to be an effective and safe option for the treatment of degenerative retinal diseases. This classification is simple, produces objective measure of disease severity and gives opportunity to compare the results of different treatment modalities.

Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome in Patients Treated with Peritoneal Dialysis: Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics among Patients with and without Restless Legs Syndrome

Introduction and Aims:This is a prospective study identifying prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in patients ongoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) due to end stage renal disease (ESRD) and comparing clinical and biochemical characteristics among patients with and without RLS. Methods: Two hundred ESRD patients who received PD at least six months assessed by neurologist and nephrologist with regards to presence of RLS. Also, clinical and biochemical features of these patients are determined. One hundred and forty four patients were excluded from study because they had other secondary causes of RLS except for ESRD. Results: Thirteen of 56 patients (23.2%) had RLS. The use of vitamin B + folic acid supplements was significantly lower in patients with RLS than in those without RLS (69.2% vs 97.7%;p = 0.008). There was no significant difference between patient groups with and without RLS in terms of age, gender, body mass index, cause of ESRD, peritoneal membrane transport characteristic, smoking, consuming alcohol, use of erythropoietin, duration of PD, hemoglobin, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum albumin, levels of serum iron, total iron binding capacity, ferritin, folic acid and vitamin B12, transferrin saturation, weekly Kt/V urea value, and amount of residual urine volume (p > 0.05). Conclusion: RLS is more common among PD patients than general population. Although essential cause is not exactly known, use of folic acid and vitamin B complex decrease the RLS prevalence in this particular patient group.