The role of polymorphic cytochrome P450 gene(CYP2B6)in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia(B-CLL)incidence and outcome among Egyptian patients

Cytochromes P450(CYPs)play a prominent role in catalyzing phase I xenobiotic biotransformation and account for about 75%of the total metabolism of commercially available drugs,including chemotherapeutics.The gene expression and enzyme activity of CYPs are variable between individuals,which subsequently leads to different patterns of susceptibility to carcinogenesis by genotoxic xenobiotics,as well as differences in the efficacy and toxicity of clinically used drugs.This research aimed to examine the presence of the CYP2B6*9 polymorphism and its possible association with the incidence of B-CLL in Egyptian patients,as well as the clinical outcome after receiving cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.DNA was isolated from whole blood samples of 100 de novo B-CLL cases and also from 100 sex-and age-matched healthy individuals.The presence of the CYP2B6*9(G516T)polymorphism was examined by PCR-based allele specific amplification(ASA).Patients were further indicated for receiving chemotherapy,and then they were followed up.The CYP2B6*9 variant indicated a statistically significant higher risk of B-CLL under different genetic models,comprising allelic(T-allele vs.G-allele,OR=4.8,p<0.001)and dominant(GT+TT vs.GG,OR=5.4,p<0.001)models.Following cyclophosphamide chemotherapy,we found that the patients with variant genotypes(GT+TT)were less likely to achieve remission compared to those with the wild-type genotype(GG),with a response percentage of(37.5%vs.83%,respectively).In conclusion,our findings showed that the CYP2B6*9(G516T)polymorphism is associated with B-CLL susceptibility among Egyptian patients.This variant greatly affected the clinical outcome and can serve as a good therapeutic marker in predicting response to cyclophosphamide treatment.

Male Breast Cancer:10-Year Experience at Mansoura University Hospital in Egypt

Objective Male breast cancer(MBC) is a rare disease representing less than 1%of all malignancies.The objective of the study is to report clinicopathological characteristics,treatment patterns,and outcomes of MBC in Mansoura University Hospital,Egypt. Methods This retrospective study focused on male breast cancer patients during 10 years(2000-2009).The studied variables were data regarding general characteristics of patients,treatment modalities and survival. Results The series included 37 patients(0.8%of all breast cancer).The median age was 57.7 years(range:26-86 years).The main clinical complaint was a mass beneath the areola in 94.5%of the cases.Most patients had a locally advanced disease.94.5%of tumors were invasive duct carcinomas.The treatment was essentially surgery in 91.8%,followed by adjuvant radiotherapy(in 89.2%), hormonal therapy(in 56.7%) and chemotherapy(in 91.8%).Follow-up period ranged from 6-115 months.Local recurrence occurred in 4 cases and metastasis in 11 cases.The 2-year and 5-year overall survival(OS) rates were 81.6%and 60.5%,respectively.The 2-year and 5-year disease-free survival(DFS) rates were 68.4%,and 52.6%,respectively.OS was not significantly affected by any of the studied parameters.Factors influencing DFS were:T stage(P=0.05),positive lymph nodes(P=0.043),metastasis(P=0.004),and chemotherapy (P=0.046). Conclusions MBC is a rare disease and often diagnosed at a locally advanced stage.The management of male and female breast carcinoma is identical.Future research for better understanding of this disease is needed to improve the management and prognosis of male breast cancer patients.

Epidemiological,clinical and laboratory findings of infectious keratitis at Mansoura Ophthalmic Center,Egypt

AIM： To analyze the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings of infectious keratitis.METHODS： A retrospective study on cases of infective keratitis, attended our institution from Mar. 2013 to Feb. 2015, was done at Mansoura Ophthalmic Center, Egypt. Corneal scrapings were performed and processed for direct microscopy and culture in appropriate media using standard laboratory protocols.RESULTS： Out of 245 patients enrolled for study, 247 corneal scrapings were obtained. Ocular trauma was the most common predisposing factor （51.4%）, followed by diabetes mellitus （15.1%）. Cultures were positive in 110 scraping samples （44.5%）： 45.5% samples had pure fungal infection, 40% had pure bacterial infections and 10% had mixed fungal and bacterial growths. Acanthamoeba was detected in 5 （4.5%） samples. The most common fungal pathogen was Aspergillus spp. （41%）. The most common bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus （38.2%） and Pseudomonas aeruginosa （21.8%）.CONCLUSION： Incidence of fungal keratitis is high in our region. Therapeutic approach can initially be based on clinical features and sensitivity/resistance patterns. Microbiological research should direct the antimicrobial treatment. Antibiotic resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides is an important consideration.

Problem of living liver donation in the absence of deceased liver transplantation program:Mansoura experience

We report our experience with potential donors for living donor liver transplantation(LDLT), which is the first report from an area where there is no legalized deceased donation program. This is a single center retrospective analysis of potential living donors(n = 1004) between May 2004 and December 2012. This report focuses on the analysis of causes, duration, cost, and various implications of donor exclusion(n = 792).Most of the transplant candidates(82.3%) had an experience with more than one excluded donor(median = 3). Some recipients travelled abroad for a deceased donor transplant(n = 12) and some died before finding a suitable donor(n = 14). The evaluation of an excluded donor is a time-consuming process(median = 3 d, range 1 d to 47 d). It is also a costly process with a median cost of approximately 70 USD(range 35 USD to 885 USD). From these results, living donor exclusion has negative implications on the patients and transplant program with ethical dilemmas and an economic impact. Many strategies are adopted by other centers to expand the donor pool; however, they are not all applicable in our locality. We conclude that an active legalized deceased donor transplantation program is necessary to overcome the shortage of available liver grafts in Egypt.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in the characterization of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas

BACKGROUND Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm(SPN)is an uncommon pathology of the pancreas with unpredictable malignant potential.Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)assessment plays a vital role in lesion characterization and confirmation of the tissue diagnosis.However,there is a paucity of data regarding the imaging assessment of these lesions.AIM To determine the characteristic EUS features of SPN and define its role in preoperative assessment.METHODS This was an international,multicenter,retrospective,observational study of prospective cohorts from 7 large hepatopancreaticobiliary centers.All cases with postoperative histology of SPN were included in the study.Data collected included clinical,biochemical,histological and EUS characteristics.RESULTS One hundred and six patients with the diagnosis of SPN were included.The mean age was 26 years(range 9 to 70 years),with female predominance(89.6%).The most frequent clinical presentation was abdominal pain(80/106;75.5%).The mean diameter of the lesion was 53.7 mm(range 15 to 130 mm),with the slight predominant location in the head of the pancreas(44/106;41.5%).The majority of lesions presented with solid imaging features(59/106;55.7%)although 33.0%(35/106)had mixed solid/cystic characteristics and 11.3%(12/106)had cystic morphology.Calcification was observed in only 4(3.8%)cases.Main pancreatic duct dilation was uncommon,evident in only 2 cases(1.9%),whilst common bile duct dilation was observed in 5(11.3%)cases.One patient demonstrated a double duct sign at presentation.Elastography and Doppler evaluation demonstrated inconsistent appearances with no emergence of a predictable pattern.EUS guided biopsy was performed using three different types of needles:Fine needle aspiration(67/106;63.2%),fine needle biopsy(37/106;34.9%),and Sonar Trucut(2/106;1.9%).The diagnosis was conclusive in 103(97.2%)cases.Ninety-seven patients were treated surgically(91.5%)and the post-surgical SPN diagnosis was confirmed in all cases.During the 2-year follow-up period,no recurrence was observed.CONCLUSION SPN presented primarily as a solid lesion on endosonographic assessment.The lesion tended to be located in the head or body of the pancreas.There was no consistent characteristic pattern apparent on either elastography or Doppler assessment.Similarly SPN did not frequently cause stricture of the pancreatic duct or common bile duct.Importantly,we confirmed that EUS-guided biopsy was an efficient and safe diagnostic tool.The needle type used does not appear to have a significant impact on the diagnostic yield.Overall SPN remains a challenging diagnosis based on EUS imaging with no pathognomonic features.EUS guided biopsy remains the gold standard in establishing the diagnosis.

Comparing the efficacy of regen-cov,remdesivir,and favipiravir in reducing invasive mechanical ventilation need in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic stimulates research works to find a solution to this crisis from starting 2020 year up to now.With ending of the 2021-year,various advances in pharmacotherapy against COVID-19 have emerged.Regarding antiviral therapy,casirivimab and imdevimab antibody combination is a type of new immunotherapy against COVID-19.Standard antiviral therapy against COVID-19 includes Remdesivir and Favipiravir.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of antibodies cocktail(casirivimab and imdevimab)compared to standard antiviral therapy in reducing the need for invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV).METHODS 265 COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction confirmed patients with indication for antiviral therapy were included in this study and were divided into 3 groups(1:2:2):Group A:REGN3048-3051 antibodies cocktail(casirivimab and imdevimab),group B:Remdesivir,group C:Favipiravir.The study design is a single-blind nonrandomized controlled trial Mansoura University Hospital owns the study’s drugs.The duration of the study was about 6 mo after ethical approval.RESULTS Casirivimab and imdevimab achieve less need for O2 therapy and IMV,with less duration of this need than remdesivir and favipiravir.CONCLUSION Group A(casirivimab and imdevimab)achieve better clinical outcomes than groups B(remdesivir)and C(favipiravir)intervention groups.

Effect of Optimization of Hemodialysis on Ophthalmological Variables in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease

Background: Conventional hemodialysis (HD) used in treating end stage renal disease (ESRD) can result in multiorgan insult including the eye-owing to the resultant reperfusion after the ischemic event. Optimization of HD can be done using a process called remote ischemia which includes applying cycles of brief, nonlethal ischemia followed by reperfusion to one limb. This method sends signal to the end organs to prepare themselves for the upcoming ischemia thus preventing their injury. Aim: To evaluate the effect of remote ischemia preconditioning in HD on ophthalmological variables. Patients and Methods: A pre-post interventional analytical study conducted on patients receiving hemodialysis. Remote ischemia preconditioning was done before each HD session incorporating 3 cycles of alternating ischemia and reperfusion (5 minutes each) performed in the upper limb using sphygmomanometer cuff. Ophthalmic examination was done at baseline and 3 months after HD optimization. Assessment was done half to one hour pre- and post-session for visual acuity, corneal, conjunctival deposits, tear break up time (TBUT), anterior chamber depth and central macular thickness. Results: The study included 50 eyes of 25 patients with almost equal gender distribution and mean age of 37.52 ± 9.824 years. They were maintained on hemodialysis for median 10 years (range 3-25 years). The commonest cause of ESRD was hypertension. The studied ocular parameters showed insignificant change after pre-conditioned HD except for TBUT that was statistically longer (p = 0.018). Conclusion: Optimization of hemodialysis using remote ischemia does not seem to have significant ocular effect apart from prolonged TBUT. .

The potency of N,N′-diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine and adiposederived stem cell co-administration in alleviating hepatorenal dysfunction complications associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats

Background:The increasing occurrence of diabetes mellitus(DM)noted worldwide has considerably elicited concern in the recent past.DM is associated with elevated vascular complications,morbidity,mortality,and poor quality of life.In this context,mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have shown significant therapeutic potentialities in managing and curing type 1 DM owing to their self-renewable,immunosuppressive,and differentiation capacities.We investigated the potential action of N,N′-diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine(DPPD),a well-known synthetic antioxidant to enhance the therapeutic ability of the adipose-derived stem cells(AD-MSCs)in alleviating kidney and liver complications in diabetic rats.Methods:Over the four weeks of experiments,albino male rats(n=36)were split into six test groups:control,DPPD(250 mg/kg,i.p.),STZ-diabetic(D),D+DPPD,D+AD-MSCs(1×10^(6)cell/rat,i.v.),and D+AD-MSCs+DPPD treated groups.Results:Significant declines in the renal and hepatic oxidative stress markers(MDA,ROS,and AGEs)were observed coupled with a significant elevation in many antioxidant marker levels(GSH,SOD,CAT,GPx,HO-1,and TAC)in the diabetic rats treated with either DPPD or AD-MSCs or their co-administered injection compared to the diabetic untreated rats.This was suggested to be the leading cause of amelioration of the kidney functions(as measured by urea,uric acid,and creatine levels)and liver functions(as evidenced by the levels of AST,ALT,ALP,bilirubin,total proteins,albumin,and globulins).Conclusion:DPPD and AD-MSCs co-administration showed superior results in terms of the enhancement of the relative hepato-renal function,indicating the beneficial role of DPPD supplementation in increasing the therapeutic potential of AD-MSCs.

Guide for diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is ranked as the 5th common type of cancer worldwide and is considered as the 3rd common reason for cancer-related deaths. HCC often occurs on top of a cirrhotic liver. The prognosisis determined by several factors; tumour extension, alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) concentration, histologic subtype of the tumour, degree of liver dysfunction, and the patient's performance status. HCC prognosis is strongly correlated with diagnostic delay. To date, no ideal screening modality has been developed. Analysis of recent studies showed that AFP assessment lacks adequate sensitivity and specificity for effective surveillance and diagnosis. Many tumour markers have been tested in clinical trials without progressing to routine use in clinical practice. Thus, surveillance is still based on ultrasound(US) examination every 6 mo. Imaging studies for diagnosis of HCC can fall into one of two main categories: routine non-invasive studies such as US, computed tomography(CT), and magnetic resonance imaging, and more specialized invasive techniques including CT during hepatic arteriography and CT arterial portography in addition to the conventional hepatic angiography. This article provides an overview and spotlight on the different diagnostic modalities and treatment options of HCC.

Relationship between acrosin activity of human spermatozoa and oxidative stress

Aim: To study the association between seminal oxidative stress and human sperm acrosin activity. Methods: It is a prospective study consisting of 30 infertile men and 12 fertile normozoospermic volunteers. A full history, clinical examination and scrotal ultrasound were done to exclude other related factors such as smoking and varicocele. Presence of white blood cells (WBCs) in semen samples was evaluated by peroxidase staining. Lipid peroxidation in spermatozoa was induced after incubating with ferrous sulphate (4 mmol/L) and sodium ascorbate (20 mmol/L). Induced peroxidation of spermatozoa was assessed by determining the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Acrosin activity was measured using the gelatinolysis technique. The halo diameters around the sperm heads and the percentages of spermatozoa showing halo formation were evaluated. An acrosin activity index was calculated by multiplying the halo diameter by the halo formation rate. Results: A significant difference was observed in acrosin activity parameters and TBARS levels between samples with WBCs (>1×106/mL of ejaculate) and those without. This difference was also noted between the normozoospermic and the oligoasthenoteratozoospermic semen samples. The TBARS production by spermatozoa had a significant negative correlation with the acrosin activity index (r = -0.89, P <0.001). Conclusion: The presence of oxidative stress in an individual with leukocytospermia and/or abnormal semen parameters is associated with impaired sperm function as measured by its acrosin activity.

Safety and efficacy of ultrasound ciliary plasty as a primary intervention in glaucoma patients

AIM: To evaluate the safety and the efficacy of the ultrasound ciliary plasty(UCP) on the intraocular pressure(IOP) control in glaucomatous eyes without previous glaucoma surgery.METHODS: A retrospective study included patients with primary and secondary glaucoma who underwent UCP in Dar Al Shifa Hospital, Kuwait between January 2017 to June 2018. High-intensity focused ultrasound procedures were performed under peribulbar anesthesia using the 2^(nd) generation probe with 8 s duration of each of the 6 shots. Complete ophthalmologic examinations were scheduled pre-treatment, and at 1 d, 1 wk, 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo posttreatment. Primary outcomes were the IOP reduction and success rates at 12 mo, while the secondary outcomes were the occurrence of vision threatening complications and visual acuity.RESULTS: The records of 62 eyes of 62 patients were analyzed with mean age of 63.8 y(67.7% males). There was statistically significant reduction in the mean IOP from 35.2±8.3 mm Hg before treatment to 20.6±8.7 mm Hg at 12^(th) month(P<0.0005) with a mean percentage IOP reduction of 42.3% with significant reduction in the mean number of antiglaucomatous drugs from 3.2±0.4 before treatment to 2.1±1.02 at 12 mo(P<0.0005). Qualified success was achieved in 77.4% of eyes at 12 mo. No major intra-or posttreatment complications were reported.CONCLUSION: Second-generation UCP prove to be effective in reducing IOP in naive glaucoma patients with lower success rates in cases of neovascular and uveitic glaucomas.

Diagnostic non-invasive model of large risky esophageal varices in cirrhotic hepatitis C virus patients

AIM To build a diagnostic non-invasive model for screening of large varices in cirrhotic hepatitis C virus(HCV) patients. METHODS This study was conducted on 124 post-HCV cirrhotic patients presenting to the clinics of the Endemic Medicine Department at Mansoura University Hospital for evaluation before HCV antiviral therapy: 78 were Child A and 46 were Child B(score ≤ 8). Inclusion criteria for patients enrolled in this study was presence of cirrhotic HCV(diagnosed by either biopsy or fulfillment of clinical basis). Exclusion criteria consisted of patients with other etiologies of liver cirrhosis, e.g., hepatitis B virus and patients with high MELD score on transplant list. All patients were subjected to full medical record, full basic investigations, endoscopy, and computed tomography(CT), and then divided into groups with no varices, small varices, or large risky varices. In addition, values of Fibrosis-4 score(FIB-4), aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index(APRI), and platelet count/splenic diameter ratio(PC/SD) were also calculated.RESULTS Detection of large varies is a multi-factorial process, affected by many variables. Choosing binary logistic regression, dependent factors were either large or small varices while independent factors included CT variables such coronary vein diameter, portal vein(PV) diameter, lieno-renal shunt and other laboratory noninvasive variables namely FIB-4, APRI, and platelet count/splenic diameter. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was plotted to determine the accuracy of non-invasive parameters for predicting the presence of large esophageal varices and the area under the ROC curve for each one of these parameters was obtained. A model was established and the best model for prediction of large risky esophageal varices used both PC/SD and PV diameter(75% accuracy), while the logistic model equation was shown to be(PV diameter ×-0.256) plus(PC/SD ×-0.006) plus(8.155). Values nearing 2 or more denote large varices.CONCLUSION This model equation has 86.9% sensitivity and 57.1% specificity, and would be of clinical applicability with 75% accuracy.

The oncofetal protein IMP3 is an indicator of early recurrence and poor outcome in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary glands

Objective: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma(MEC) is the most common primary malignancy of the salivary glands. Insulin-like growth factor-II m RNA-binding protein-3(IMP3) is an important prognostic factor in some cancers and a tool that differentiates between benign and malignant pancreatic lesions. This study aimed to identify a relationship between the expression of IMP3 and the outcome of salivary gland MEC, as well as to differentiate MEC from pleomorphic adenoma(PA).Methods: Tissue specimens from 70 cases of salivary gland MEC, 40 cases of PA, and 10 cases with normal salivary gland were examined immunohistochemically for IMP3. The association among the expression of IMP3, clinicopathological characteristics and patient's survival was assessed.Results: IMP3 was present in 51.4% of MEC but absent in PA and normal salivary gland tissues. IMP3 expression was associated with age > 60 years, submandibular gland tumors, tumor size > 4 cm, high-grade tumors, lymph node metastasis, involvement of surgical margins, perineural invasion, distant metastasis, advanced TNM stage, tumor relapse, and death(P<0.05). Increased expression of IMP3, tumors of the submandibular gland, and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors of disease-free survival(DFS). In addition, IMP3 was a strong predictor of overall survival(OS) together with distant metastasis and intermediate and high-grade tumors.Conclusions: IMP3 expression is highly important in evaluating the outcome of MEC. IMP3 can be used to differentiate MEC from PA of salivary glands.

Functional and anatomical evaluation of the effect of nepafenac in prevention of macular edema after phacoemulsification in diabetic patients

AIM: To evaluate the effect of prophylactic administration of nepafenac in prevention of macular edema occurring in diabetic patients after phacoemulsification and to investigate the correlation between optical coherence tomography(OCT) foveal thickness and multifocal electroretinogram(MF-ERG) parameters.METHODS: The study included two groups. Group 1 included 50 diabetic patients with senile cataract(50 eyes, 30 females, 20 males, aged 55±7 y) received nepafenac 0.1% eye drop. Group 2 included another 50 diabetic patients with senile cataract(50 eyes, 22 female, 28 males, aged 53.8±8 y) did not receive nepafenac. All patients were followed up for 3 mo postoperatively. OCT and MF-ERG were done preoperative and at 1 wk, 1, 2 and 3 mo.RESULTS: The mean foveal thickness was statistically significantly lower in Group 1. Five eyes in Group 2 developed clinical cystoid macular oedema(CMO)(10%), and no patients in Group 1 developed central macular thickening more than 50 μm. There were insignificant differences in MF-ERG amplitudes and latencies between the two groups except in the five eyes that developed CMO, there statistically significant reduction of MF-ERG amplitude with increase in foveal thickness. CONCLUSION: Perioperative nepafenac reduces the incidence of CMO following uncomplicated phacoemulsification significantly. Nepafenac has no side effects.

Visual performance after implantation of two types of phakic foldable intraocular lenses for correction of high myopia

AIM: To compare Visian lens(model V4 c) and Artiflex lens regarding quality(contrast sensitivity) and quantity(efficacy, predictability, safety and stability) of vision in correcting high myopia with recording and analysis of complications. METHODS: The comparative prospective study included 39 eyes of 23 patients with high myopia, 19 eyes had Visian lens implantation(model V4 c) and 20 eyes had Artiflex lens implantation. The inclusion criteria were high myopia(higher than 6.0 D) and stable refraction(<0.5 D change over one year). Outcomes included assessment of safety and efficacy indices, predictability, stability, contrast sensitivity and analysis of complications at postoperative 1 d, 1 wk and 1, 3, 6 and 12 mo. Selection of the type of phakic intraocular lens for patients was based on surgeons' preferences, which was no specific selection criteria. RESULTS: After 12 mo of follow up, difference in uncorrected and corrected distant visual acuity(CDVA) between both groups was statistically insignificant(UDVA for VisianV4 c and Artiflex lens were 0.33±0.2 logMAR and 0.37±0.2 logMAR respectively, P=0.59, CDVA for VisianV4 c and Artiflex lens were 0.155±0.1 logMAR and 0.147± 0.1 logMAR respectively, P=0.87). The efficacy index was 1.25 for VisianV4 c lens and 0.8 for Artiflex lens, 78.9% of eyes were within one diopter spherical equivalent in Visian V4 c lens group compared to 70% in the Artiflex lens group. No eye lost lines of CVDA proving a good safety index for both lenses(safety index was 1.67 for VisianV4 c lens and 1.34 for Artiflex lens). Difference in contrast sensitivity between both groups was statistically insignificant(P=0.15, 0.88, 0.27, 0.32 and 0.82 at five spatial frequencies). CONCLUSION: Both Visian ICL V4 c and Artiflex lensesare safe and effective with stable and predictable refraction and they have comparable contrast sensitivity outcomes with no vision threatening complications.

Pentacam changes in primary angle-closure glaucoma after different lines of treatment

AIM: To assess the changes in the anterior chamber parameters using Pentacam following four different lines of treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG).METHODS: A retrospective comparative study included 126 patients(126 eye) presented within 24-48 h after acute angle-closure glaucoma(AACG). Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A(68 eyes) with controlled intraocular pressure(IOP) ≤21 mm Hg, which included subgroup A1(34 eyes) with clear lens underwent Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy(LPI) and subgroup A2(34 eyes) with cataract underwent standard phacoemulsification;and group B(58 eyes) with uncontrolled IOP, which included subgroup B1(30 eyes) with clear lens underwent trabeculectomy and subgroup B2(28 eyes) with cataract underwent combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy. Patients were fol owed up for at least 3 mo. Primary outcomes were Pentacam anterior segment measurements [anterior chamber angle(ACA) and depth(ACD)]. Secondary outcomes were changes in IOP, visual acuity(VA) and recorded complications. RESULTS: At the 3^(rd)month, there was significant increase in the ACA values in all studied groups compared to preoperative values(P<0.001). The highest percent of increase in ACA was recorded in phacotrabeculectomy group B2(128.40%). There was significant increase in ACD values at 3^(rd)month compared with baseline values(P<0.001) for groups A1, A2, and B2;without change in B1 trabeculectomy group. The maximum deepening of ACD was noticed in group B2 with 94.27% increase. Significantdecrease in postoperative IOP in groups A2, B1 and B2(P<0.001, P=0.014, and P<0.001 respectively). In group A1 there was significant increase in 3^(rd)month postoperative IOP from baseline values(P<0.001). The maximum decrease in IOP was noticed in group B2 with 59.54% decrease. VA improvement in 3^(rd)month postoperative was recorded in all studied groups, maximum VA improvement was observed in group B2 up to 0.2 log MAR.CONCLUSION: Pentacam can be a helpful tool in studying and comparing the effect of the different lines of management of PACG on the anterior chamber measures. Phacotrabeculectomy was proved to be an effective line for managing PACG with resultant significant increase in the anterior chamber parameters, IOP reduction as well as maximum VA improvement. LPI has only temporary effect on IOP with significant changes in ACA and ACD. Phacoemuslification alone can be an option in treating PACG. Trabeculectomy resulted in temporary increase in the anterior chamber parameter which subsequently returned to baseline values.

Long-term results of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Egyptian population

AIM： To evaluate the long-term results and complications of Ahmed glaucoma valve （AGV） implantation in a cohort of Egyptian patients. METHODS： A retrospective study of 124 eyes of 99 patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent AGV implantation and had a minimum follow-up of 5y was performed. All patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination and intraocular pressure （lOP） measurement before surgery and at ld, weekly for the 1st month, 3, 6mo, and ly after surgery and yearly afterward for 5y. lOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry and/or Tono-Pen. Complications and the number of anti-glaucoma medications needed were recorded. Success was defined as lOP less than 21 mm Hg with or without anti-glaucoma medication and without additional glaucoma surgery. RESULTS： Mean age was 23.1±19.9y. All eyes had at least one prior glaucoma surgery, lOP was reduced from a mean of 37.2±6.8 to 19.2±5.2 mm Hg after 5y follow-up with a reduced number of medications from 2.64±0.59 to 1.81±0.4. Complete and qualified success rates were 31.5% and 46.0% respectively at the end of follow-up. The most common complications were encapsulated cyst formation in 51 eyes （41.1%）, complicated cataract in 9 eyes （7.25%）, recessed tube in 8 eyes （6.45%）, tube exposure in 6 eyes （4.8%） and corneal touch in 6 eyes （4.8%）. Other complications included extruded AGV, endophthalmitis and persistent hypotony. Each of them was recorded in only 2 eyes （1.6%）. ~ CONCLUSION： Although refractory glaucoma is a difficult problem to manage, AGV is effective and relatively safe procedure in treating refractory glaucoma in Egyptian patients with long-term follow-up. Encapsulated cyst formation was the most common complication, which limits successful lOP control after AGV implantation. However, effective complications management can improve the rate of success.

Role of color Doppler in differentiation of Graves' disease and thyroiditis in thyrotoxicosis

AIM:To evaluate the role of thyroid blood flow assessment by color-flow Doppler ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis and compare it to technetium pertechnetate thyroid scanning. METHODS:Twenty-six patients with thyrotoxicosis were included in the study. Clinical history was taken and physical examination and thyroid function tests were performed for all patients. Thyroid autoantibodies were measured. The thyroid glands of all patients were evaluated by gray scale ultrasonography for size, shape and echotexture. Color-flow Doppler ultrasonography of the thyroid tissue was performed and spectral flow analysis of both inferior thyroid arteries was assessed. Technetium99 pertechnetate scanning of the thyroid gland was done for all patients. According to thyroid scintigraphy, the patients were divided into two groups:18 cases with Graves' disease and 8 cases with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. All patients had suppressed thyrotropin. The diagnosis of Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis was supported by the clinical picture and follow up of patients. RESULTS:Peak systolic velocities of the inferior thyroid arteries were significantly higher in patients with Graves' disease than in patients with thyroiditis (P = 0.004 in the right inferior thyroid artery and P = 0.001 in left inferior thyroid artery). Color-flow Doppler ultrasonography parameters demonstrated a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 87.5% in the differential diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis. CONCLUSION:Color Doppler flow of the inferior thyroid artery can be used in the differential diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, especially when there is a contraindication of thyroid scintigraphy by radioactive material in some patients.

Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin in treatment of anismus: A systematic review

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A) in the management of patients with anismus. METHODS: An organized search of published literature was conducted using electronic databases including: Pub Med/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Control ed Trials, also an internet-based search using "Google Scholar" service was conducted. Both comparative and observational studies were included. We excluded irrelevant articles, editorials, case reports, reviews, and meta-analyses. The studies that followed the patients less than 6 mo were excluded. Variables collected were demographic data of the patients, technique of BTX-A injection and number of sessions, short-term and longterm clinical improvement, post-injection changes in electromyography(EMG), defecography, manometry, and balloon expulsion test, and complications recorded after BTX-A injection.RESULTS: Seven studies comprising 189 patients were included in the review. The median age of the patients was 41.2 years and female-to-male ratio was 1.3:1. The median dose of BTX-A injected per procedure was 100 IU(range, 20-100 IU). Lateral injection was done in five trails and combined lateral and posterior injections in two trials. Three studies used endorectal ultrasonographyguided technique, one study used EMG-guided technique,whereas the remaining three studies used manual palpation with the index finger. The median percentage of patients who reported initial improvement of symptoms was 77.4%(range 37.5%-86.7%), this percentage declined to a median of 46%(range 25%-100%) at 4 mo after injection of BTX-A. Rates of improvement evaluated by balloon expulsion test, EMG, and defecography ranged between(37.5%-80%),(54%-86.7%), and(25%-86.6%), respectively. Fourteen(7.4%) patients developed complications after injection of BTX-A. Complication rates across the studies ranged from 0% to 22.6%. CONCLUSION: Initial satisfactory improvement of symptoms after BTX-A injection remarkably deteriorated after 3 mo of the procedure. However, repeated injection may provide better sustained results with no additional morbidities. Further analysis of more patients is necessary to conclude the safety of BTX-A for the treatment of anismus.

Squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes from unknown primary origin:the impact of chemoradiotherapy

The management of cervical lymph node metastases of squamous cell carcinoma from an unknown primary site is still a therapeutic challenge.We report here our experience in treating these patients with chemoradiotherapy as a curative approach.Data from 40 patients were reviewed.In total,20(50%) patients underwent excisional biopsy.All patients underwent radiotherapy,which was delivered to both sides of the neck and pharyngeal mucosa(extensive field),and concurrent chemotherapy consisting of weekly cisplatin at a dose of 40 mg/m2.The clinical stage of the cervical nodes at presentation was N1 in 25%,N2 in 60%,and N3 in 15%.Most patients(75%) developed at least grade 3 mucositis.Eight patients(20%) had grade 3 xerostomia and 18 patients(45%) required esophageal dilation for stricture.The 5-year overall survival(OS) rate of all patients was 67.5%.The 5-year OS rates of patients with N1,N2,and N3 lesions were 100%,67%,and 41%,respectively(P = 0.046).The 5-year progression-free survival rate was 62.5%.In multivariate analysis,only N stage significantly affected OS(P = 0.022).Emergence of the occult primary was very limited(1 patient only).Our results suggest that extensive irradiation of both sides of the neck and pharyngeal mucosa with concurrent chemotherapy results in a lower emergence of primary tumor.Because the survival of patients with unknown primary is comparable to that of patients with known primary,an attempt at cure should always be made.