MATERIAL AND METHOD: 25 healthy electronic cigarette smokers and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy non-smokers were included in the study. RNFL, GCL, IPL and choroidal thickness were measured by SD-OCT using an automated programme. After normality tests, an independent sample t-test was used to analyse the differences in RNFL, GCL, IPL, and choroidal thickness values between the groups.
RESULTS: The mean age of electronic cigarette smokers and non-smokers was 33.68 and 33.64 years, respectively. The mean smoking history was 6.6 years (range 5-8 years). Most of the participants smoked 2-5 ml of e-liquid per day (52%), while 36% smoked more than 5 ml and 12% smoked less than 2 ml per day. The mean intraocular pressure in the electronic cigarette smoker group was 15.0 mmHg, while the non-smoker group was 15.32 mmHg. The mean axial length in the electronic cigarette smoker group and non-smoker group was 23.36 and 23.63 mm, respectively. No significant difference was observed regarding RNFL, GCL, IPL or choroidal thickness between both groups.
CONCLUSION: The thickness of the RNFL, GCL, IPL, and choroid was found to be similar in both the healthy electronic cigarette smokers and non-smokers groups.
METHOD: Case report and literature review.
RESULT: A 53-year-old gentleman with underlying Stage III B renal cell carcinoma with lung metastasis and gout presented in June 2021 with bilateral red eyes following Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination. He had undergone a nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma and was on Pembrolizumab therapy for 5 years. Examination showed right eye injected conjunctiva with diffuse punctate epithelial erosions over the cornea, which was treated with topical steroids. The left eye is suspected to have infective keratitis, which is treated with topical antibiotics and subsequently steroids for the ocular surface inflammation. However, he developed a left eye paracentral sterile corneal melt which rapidly progressed to perforation measuring 1 mm in size. The perforation was temporarily sealed with tissue glue, but he eventually required a full thickness corneal patch graft. Patient has been doing well post-operatively for the last 3 years.
CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and management of irAEs are challenging and necessitate continuously updated diagnostic and monitoring tools. As checkpoint inhibitors become more promising in the management of malignancies, it is crucial for both the oncologist and ophthalmologist to be aware of the potential ocular adverse effects of these drugs.
AREAS COVERED: We intend to discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment modalities directed toward EBV-associated LPD in patients with distinct IEIs.
EXPERT OPINION: EBV-driven lymphoproliferation in IEIs presents a diagnostic and therapeutic problem that necessitates a comprehensive understanding of host-pathogen interactions, immune dysregulation, and personalized treatment approaches. A multidisciplinary approach involving immunologists, hematologists, infectious disease specialists, and geneticists is paramount to addressing the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by this intriguing yet formidable clinical entity.
Materials and Methods: The OHQoL-UK questionnaire consists of 16 variables within four domains made up of symptoms, psychological, social dimensions, and physical dimensions. Summing up the responses produce overall OHQoL-UK scores ranging from 16 to 80. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's reliability coefficient. Each patient underwent a periodontal examination including periodontal attachment levels with Williams' periodontal probe as part of his or her routine assessment by one clinician collaborating on the study.
Results: Within 200 patients participating in this study, 51% were < diploma, 32% were < bachelor's degree, and 17% were bachelor's degree and higher. Patients with higher educational level have a higher mean QoL score (P = 0.0001) which was statistically significant in regard to all aspects.
Conclusion: The mean QoL score was significantly lower in patients with severe periodontitis when compared to patients with mild periodontitis, patients with better academic qualification have higher mean QoL score. According to the effect of severity of periodontal condition and educational level on QoL, required intervention should be done for treatment to improve QoL as a result.