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Purpose: To investigate the role of complete blood cell count (CBC) measures in retinal artery occlusion (RAO). Methods: This was a case–control study, including 73 newly diagnosed RAO patients and 73 sex‐ and age‐matched subjects without RAO. On the same day of RAO diagnosis, a blood sample was collected and CBC was determined using an automatic blood counter. Dimensional CBC indices, such as mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW), and some CBC‐combined indices, including neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR [dNLR = neutrophils/(white blood cells ‐ neutrophils)] and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were evaluated. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was also measured. Results: Median neutrophils, red cell distribution width (RDW), NLR and dNLR were 4.5x109/L (IQR = 3.8–5.8), 13.4% (IQR = 12.7–14.75), 2.47 (IQR = 1.85–3.13) and 1.70 (IQR = 1.26–2.18) in RAO patients and 4x109/L (IQR = 3.18–4.93), 12.9% (IQR = 12–14), 1.86 (IQR = 1.42–2.44) and 1.32 (IQR = 1.02–1.64) in controls. RAO patients had significantly higher values of neutrophils (p = 0.003), RDW (p = 0.0011), NLR (p = 0.0001) and dNLR (p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the values of white blood cells, lymphocytes, platelet count, MPV and PLR. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed a statistically significant correlation between RAO and increased RDW (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.06–1.73, p = 0.015), NLR (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.34–3.06, p = 0.0009) and dNLR (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.71–6.75, p = 0.0005). Conclusion: Results suggest that RDW, NLR and dNLR may be involved in the pathogenesis of RAO and predict its occurrence. However, high‐quality epidemiologic studies, preferably of cohort design, are warranted to confirm whether, or not, an RDW, NLR and dNLR may be considered potential biomarkers of RAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Purpose: Little is known about ocular tics in Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS). The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess ocular symptoms in 40 children with PANDAS. Methods: The clinical records of children with PANDAS referred to the Ophthalmology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero‐Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy, between 2010 and 2019 were examined. The detection of ocular tics was investigated. Data about plasma antistreptolysin O (ASO) and anti‐DNAse b titres, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP), and antibiotic use were recorded and statistically analysed. Results: 40 children (34 boys, 6 girls; mean age: 7.6 ± 2.5 years) with PANDAS were identified; 33 (82.5%) showed ocular tics, whereas the remaining 7 (17.5%) had extraocular tics. Children with ocular tics had significantly higher plasma values of anti‐DNAse b antibodies (p = 0.04) and CRP (p = 0.016) than those with extraocular tics. A course of oral antibiotics was given to 25 (76%) out of 33 children with ocular tics. All the treated patients showed marked improvement/complete resolution of symptoms; conversely, no improvement was observed in those untreated. A post‐antibiotic recurrence occurred in 8 (32%) children. Conclusions: Results suggest that higher plasma values of anti‐DNAse b antibodies and CRP may play a role in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ocular tics in PANDAS. Oral antibiotics may be beneficial in improving ocular symptoms. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Purpose: We describe a case of panuveitis and palpable purpura in a patient with Pasteurella multocida pneumonia. Methods: A 75‐year‐old pseudophakic woman with type‐2 diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complained of lower limb palpable purpura and right vision loss of five‐day duration. On admission, right visual acuity was hand motion. Slit‐lamp examination disclosed severe conjunctival and perikeratic reaction, corneal oedema, 3‐mm hypopyon with heavy fibrin accumulation and blood clots, and synechiae to the IOL. Results: Chest computed tomography revealed interstitial pneumonia. Sputum culture yielded P. multocida. Amoxicillin/clavulanic tablets (1gx3/daily) and topical and systemic steroids were given. Later on, fluorescein angiography showed multiple areas of choroiditis bilaterally. With the above‐mentioned therapy, there was full recovery of the skin, lung, and eye lesions. Conclusions: This report emphasizes that P. multocida infection should be considered in patients with intraocular inflammation, palpable purpura, and interstitial pneumonia. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for a correct diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a new commercial ophthalmic solution containing povidone‐iodine 0.6% (IODIM®). Methods: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, three ocular bacterial isolates (1 S. epidermidis, 1 S. aureus, 1 P. aeruginosa) and five Candida species were used. The bacterial and fungal isolates were cultured on Columbia blood agar base plates and Sabouraud‐dextrose agar plates, respectively and incubated overnight at 37°C. Bacterial and fungal suspensions in sterile saline solution were prepared to an optical density equal to 0.5 McFarland standard (approximately 108CFU/ml). Suspensions of the isolates were made in IODIM® solution to obtain a final concentration of 106CFU/ml. The suspensions were then distributed in conical tubes in a final volume of 1 ml and incubated at 37°C. At different time‐points (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 min and 24 hr), 10 μl of each suspension was removed, seeded on Columbia blood agar base and Sabouraud‐dextrose agar plates and then incubated for 24 hr at 37°C. Positive and negative controls were included in all experiments. Results: After 5‐min incubation, there was no bacterial growth on any plate. Conversely, IODIM® failed to kill the Candida isolates after 30 min' exposure and needed 24 hr to eradicate the organisms. Conclusion: IODIM® ophthalmic solution showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and Candida species. Results suggest that it may be a potential candidate for the treatment of ocular surface infections and antimicrobial prophylaxis before intravitreal injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the bilateral optic disc swelling as the presenting sign of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia, a malignant proliferation of plasma cells. Symptoms of Waldenstrom's macroglobulineamia; Effects of serum hyperviscosity; Diagnosis of Waldenstrom's macroglobulineamia.

Purpose: To assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a new commercial ophthalmic solution containing povidone‐iodine 0.6% (IODIM®). Methods: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, three ocular bacterial isolates (1 S. epidermidis, 1 S. aureus, 1 P. aeruginosa) and five Candida species were used. The bacterial and fungal isolates were cultured on Columbia blood agar base plates and Sabouraud‐dextrose agar plates, respectively and incubated overnight at 37°C. Bacterial and fungal suspensions in sterile saline solution were prepared to an optical density equal to 0.5 McFarland standard (approximately 108CFU/ml). Suspensions of the isolates were made in IODIM® solution to obtain a final concentration of 106CFU/ml. The suspensions were then distributed in conical tubes in a final volume of 1 ml and incubated at 37°C. At different time‐points (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 min and 24 hr), 10 μl of each suspension was removed, seeded on Columbia blood agar base and Sabouraud‐dextrose agar plates and then incubated for 24 hr at 37°C. Positive and negative controls were included in all experiments. Results: After 5‐min incubation, there was no bacterial growth on any plate. Conversely, IODIM® failed to kill the Candida isolates after 30 min' exposure and needed 24 hr to eradicate the organisms. Conclusion: IODIM® ophthalmic solution showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and Candida species. Results suggest that it may be a potential candidate for the treatment of ocular surface infections and antimicrobial prophylaxis before intravitreal injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]