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Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine causal associations between inflammatory arthritis and eye diseases (disorders of sclera, cornea, iris, and ciliary body [DSCIC] and disorders of choroid and retina [DCR]). Methods: Genome-wide association studies' summary data of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from a large-scale meta-analysis were used to identify genetically predicted RA. UK Biobank source data predicted ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Furthermore, data from the FinnGen Biobank were used to identify genetically predicted eye diseases. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was used to assess the causal relationship between inflammatory arthritis and eye diseases in the European population. Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) was used as the primary method, while MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR-PRESSO outlier test were used to detect heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Results: Genetically determined RA was indeed observed to have a causal effect on DSCIC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.084, p = 2.353 × 10-10) and DCR (OR = 1.151, p = 1.584 × 10-19). AS was causally associated with DSCIC (OR = 1.068, p < 2.024 × 10-8). In addition, PsA was also found to have a causal association with an increased risk of 17.9% for the development of DSCIC (OR = 1.179, p = 0.003). On the flip side, DSCIC increased the risk of JIA (OR = 2.276, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Our study provided genetic evidence for the causal associations of RA, AS, and PsA with an increased risk of DSCIC, and a causal association between RA and DCR was also identified. In addition, DSCIC greatly increased the risk of JIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo evaluate current practice of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (cyclodiode) laser treatment among consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom.MethodsA 31-question survey was emailed to all practising consultant ophthalmologists who were members of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. All non-responders were sent a postal version of the questionnaire. This paper looked at cyclodiode practice patterns and consisted of questions on demographic data, transillumination, and power settings, factors influencing practice, post-operative care, and repeat treatment.ResultsA total of 510 participants (53.6%) responded. A total of 180 (35.3%) responders reported performing cyclodiode laser treatment, of which 84 (46.7%) were glaucoma subspecialists (GSS). Initial median power settings used were 1500 mW and 2000 ms. The average number of applications delivered per sitting was 25.5±1.2 applications for GSS vs20.6±2.0 for non-GSS in a seeing eye (P=0.0013). In all, 65% routinely transilluminated the globe of which 78% were GSS and 52.3% were non-GSS (P=0.0009). In all, 43% of the GSS vs17% of the non-GSS lowered power settings in uveitic glaucoma (P=0.013). In blind eyes, 30% of the GSS vs12% of the non-GSS increased energy levels (P=0.0014). In all, 60% of the responders performed cyclodiode at any visual acuity, whereas 22% performed combined cyclodiode and cataract surgery.ConclusionsThis survey highlights a wide variation in the use of cyclodiode laser treatment amongst GSS and non-GSS. However, the most frequently used practice may not be the optimal practice. A more individualised parameter according to the condition of the eyes may optimise the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Evolution of spirometry in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and its determinants are unclear. To assess morbidity and burden of this condition, we investigated the progression of spirometry in patients from two European centres. Methods Ninety-six patients with =1 spirometry (Naples, Italy, n=21; London, UK, n=75) were enrolled. Sixty-five (Naples, n=15; London, n=50) with 4 years spirometry were analysed longitudinally. Best annual FEV1, corresponding FVC, both expressed as z-scores, and sputum culture results were recorded. Results In Naples and London, age at referral to the centre was 9.8 (range, 0.1-20.2) and 6.1 years (range, 0.1-17.3), respectively (p=0.02),while age at first spirometry was 11.6 (range, 8.1-20.2) and 8.4 years (range, 4.2-17.3), respectively (p<0.001). In both centres patients with situs in versus (Naples, n=15; London, n=36) were referred earlier (p<0.001). Despite later diagnosis, Naples children had better baseline FEV1 and FVC z-scores (0.53 (1.60) vs 1.66 (1.35), and 0.50 (1.55) vs1.36 (1.32), p<0.001 respectively) when first seen. Slopes of FEV1 z-scores over 4 years were -0.05 (95% CI -0.36 to 0.26) and 0.05 (95% CI -0.05 to 1.65) in Naples and London, respectively (p=0.38). No significant correlation was found between slopes of FEV1 z-scores and age at referral or baseline FEV1 z-score. Haemophilus influenzae was the most frequently isolated pathogen (95% and 79% of subjects in Naples and London, respectively, p=0.1). Naples subjects had higher prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (62% vs 36%, p=0.04). Paeruginosa isolation was not associated with worse baseline FEV1 z-scores or slopes of FEV1 z-scores. Conclusions The better lung function despite later diagnosis in Naples is apparently unexplained. However, as spirometry in PCD is stabilised during treatment, its short-term evolution is not related to age at referral or to baseline FEV1. Spirometry is thus not a useful end-point for randomised controlled trials of treatment. Late diagnosis is common for patients without situs anomalies. Although the potential impact of P aeruginosa infection on PCD lung function is unclear, its unexpectedly high prevalence merits further study to determine best prevention and management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]