TY - JOUR A1 - Matlach, Juliane A1 - Hoffmann, Niels A1 - Freiberg, Florentina J. A1 - Grehn, Franz A1 - Klink, Thomas T1 - Comparative study of trabeculectomy using single sutures versus releasable sutures JF - Clinical ophthalmology N2 - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of trabeculectomy using single sutures or releasable sutures. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 61 patients who had undergone trabeculectomy using single sutures (n = 33, 54.1%) or releasable sutures (n = 28, 45.9%). The scleral flap was secured with a mean 3.9 (range 3-5) single sutures in 33 patients and with three releasable sutures in 28 patients. Primary outcomes were the success rate, based on intraocular pressure and medication usage, and the frequency of complications and post-surgical interventions. The criteria used to determine complete success were, first, intraocular pressure < 18 mmHg and, second, <=21 mmHg and >=20% intraocular pressure reduction without glaucoma medication. RESULTS: All patients had an intraocular pressure <= 21 mmHg; 87.5% in the single suture group and 92.6% in the releasable suture group had an intraocular pressure < 18 mmHg at 24 months. There was a highly significant reduction in intraocular pressure to baseline values in both groups at the last visit. Applying the first criterion, complete success was achieved in 57.6% of patients with single sutures and 71.4% with releasable sutures, and based on the second criterion, 66.7% and 71.4%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the groups with regard to intraocular pressure, or success or complication rates. CONCLUSION: The results of trabeculectomy using single sutures or releasable sutures are equivalent. Therefore, the choice of suture technique should be based on individual patient requirements and surgeon experience. KW - laser suture lysis KW - releasable suture KW - glaucoma surgery KW - trabeculectomy Y1 - 2012 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123715 N1 - This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, provided the original work is properly cited. VL - 6 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Matlach, Juliane A1 - Freiberg, Florentina J. A1 - Gadeholt, Ottar A1 - Göbel, Winfried T1 - Vasculitis-like hemorrhagic retinal angiopathy in Wegener’s granulomatosis JF - BMC Research Notes N2 - Background: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, also known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that can also involve the eyes. We report a case of massive retinal and preretinal hemorrhages with perivascular changes as the initial signs in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis). Case presentation: A 39-year-old Caucasian male presented with blurred vision in his right eye, myalgia and arthralgia, recurrent nose bleeds and anosmia. Fundus image of his right eye showed massive retinal hemorrhages and vasculitis-like angiopathy, although no fluorescein extravasation was present in fluorescein angiography. Laboratory investigations revealed an inflammation with increased C-reactive protein, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and neutrophil count. Tests for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were positive for c-ANCA (cytoplasmatic ANCA) and PR3-ANCA (proteinase 3-ANCA). Renal biopsy demonstrated a focal segmental necrotizing glomerulonephritis. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis) was diagnosed and a combined systemic therapy of cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids was initiated. During 3 months of follow-up, complete resorption of retinal hemorrhages was seen and general complaints as well as visual acuity improved during therapy. Conclusion: Vasculitis-like retinal changes can occur in Wegener’s granulomatosis. Despite massive retinal and preretinal hemorrhages that cause visual impairment, immunosuppressive therapy can improve ocular symptoms. KW - cyclophosphamide KW - Wegener’s granulomatosis KW - granulomatosis with polyangiitis KW - retinal vasculitis KW - hemorrhages Y1 - 2013 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-128744 VL - 6 IS - 364 ER -