Citations

Purpose To determine the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME) within the first 6 months after endothelial keratoplasty (EK) in eyes that had previously undergone vitrectomy versus those without prior vitrectomy. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of the TriNetX database was performed by querying all patients who underwent EK (Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty or Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty) with ≥ 6 months of follow-up between January 1, 2004, and August 30, 2024. Patients with a previous history of diabetic macular edema, uveitis, or retinal vascular occlusion were excluded. Cohorts were stratified based on a history of prior vitrectomy. Propensity score matching (PSM) between cohorts was conducted for age at index, sex, race, ethnicity, and diagnosis of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. The outcome assessed was the incidence of postoperative CME within 6 months after EK in both groups. Odds ratios were calculated between cohorts. Results The final analysis included 1044 patients, divided into those with (n = 522) and without (n = 522) prior vitrectomy before EK. Patients who had undergone vitrectomy prior to EK were found to develop postoperative CME within 6 months at a significantly higher rate (32 of 522) compared to those who had not undergone vitrectomy (17 of 522) (P = 0.0282; OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.063–3.539). Conclusion Prior vitrectomy appears to be associated with a greater incidence of postoperative CME after EK.

Abstract Introduction Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a recognized complication associated with penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK). The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of acute CME within the first 6 months after PK, Descemet stripping automated EK, or Descemet’s membrane EK. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of the TriNetX United States collaborative database was conducted. Patients with a diagnosis of Fuchs dystrophy or keratoconus who underwent PK or EK between January 1, 2004 and August 30, 2024 were included. Those with a history of uveitis, retinal vascular occlusion, diabetic macular edema, or prior vitrectomy were excluded. Outcomes and diagnoses were defined using current procedural terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth edition (ICD-10) codes. Cohorts were stratified based on a history of prior PK or EK with >6 months follow-up. Propensity score matching was performed on both cohorts to control for age at index, sex, race, ethnicity, and the diagnosis of Fuchs dystrophy and keratoconus. The incidence of acute CME during a 6-month postoperative follow-up period was assessed. Odds ratios were calculated between cohorts. Results A total of 2516 eyes were included in the study (PK: 1258; EK: 1258). At six months postoperatively, the incidence of acute CME in the EK cohort (46 of 1258) was significantly higher than in the PK cohort (20 of 1258) (P = 0.0012) (OR 0.426, 95% confidence interval 0.25–0.72). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the incidence of acute CME is higher in patients undergoing EK compared to PK.

Abstract Purpose: To explore the potential of the metaverse, a three-dimensional platform merging physical and virtual realities (VRs), in advancing the field of ophthalmology. This study examines its applications in areas such as VR-based surgical training, augmented reality (AR)-assisted surgeries, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, and teleophthalmology. This review builds upon previous literature by integrating recent evidence and technological advancements, offering a more comprehensive analysis of particular applications and barriers in ophthalmology. Methods: Academic literature published between 2019 and 2024 was identified through searches in the PubMed database and Google Scholar search engine using relevant keywords. This review focused on studies discussing the application of the metaverse in health care and ophthalmology, with particular attention to key trends, emerging uses, technological features, and associated challenges. Results: A total of 60 studies were deemed relevant for inclusion in this review. The infrastructure supporting the Metaverse comprises technologies such as the Internet of Things, digital twins, mirror worlds, nonfungible tokens, blockchain technology, and lifelogging. Together, these technologies create immersive environments that users can access through VR headsets, AR glasses, and handheld controllers. The metaverse presents promising opportunities in ophthalmology, particularly in enhancing clinical training through simulators such as the EyeSi™ surgical simulator, VRmagic EyeSi Slit Lamp, and the HelpMeSee™ VR simulator. In addition, it facilitates remote consultations and improves diagnostic and treatment options, exemplified by tools such as the Vivid Vision™ system for amblyopia, the Microsoft HoloLens™ for navigating complex anatomical structures, and AI-based platforms for the early detection of diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, the metaverse may enhance patient education by simulating the visual effects of ophthalmic conditions and visualizing postoperative outcomes. However, challenges, including financial limitations, data security concerns, and cultural acceptance, must be addressed. Conclusions: A gradual and context-specific integration of the metaverse is essential, particularly in underdeveloped regions. As the metaverse evolves, it holds significant potential to transform the field of ophthalmology by promoting global collaboration and innovation, complementing traditional practices, and ensuring equitable access to advanced healthcare solutions.

Abstract Introduction Down-sized inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) cylinders are used in challenging penile fibrosis scenarios, such as after priapism or prior implant infection. Their role in primary penile prosthesis surgery, however, is not well studied. Objective This study aims to identify factors associated with the use of down-sized cylinders in men undergoing primary IPP placement. Methods We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study on men undergoing primary IPP surgery, categorizing them into a down-sized cylinder group (AMS 700 CXR and Coloplast NB) and a standard cylinder group (AMS 700 CX, AMS 700 LGX, and Coloplast Titan). We collected demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and performed a multivariable analysis. Results 4,389 men were included in the study with a mean age of 62.3±10.3 years. Overall, 1,485 (34%) men had diabetes, and 2,131 (49%) had hypertension. Down-sized cylinders were placed in 406 men (174 CXRs, 232 NBs), while standard cylinders were placed in 3,983. Multivariable analysis indicated that down-sized cylinders were more commonly used in men with diabetes (OR 2.6 [1.9, 3.7], p<0.001) and less frequently in men with hypertension (OR 0.5 [0.4, 0.7], p<0.001). A history of priapism did not significantly impact the use of down-sized cylinders (p≥0.152). Sequential dilation was performed more often with the use of down-sized cylinders (OR 4.0 [2.8, 5.7], p<0.001). Down-sized cylinders were associated with an increased rate of non-infectious complications (OR 1.9 [1.3, 2.9], p<0.001), however, there was no significant association with implant infection (OR 2.1 [0.9, 4.6], p=0.07). Non-infectious complications occurred in 44 (25%) men with down-sized cylinders. In the down-sized group, hematomas occurred in 10 (2.5%) men and wound-related complications occurred in 7 (1.7%) men (Table 1). Cylinder-related complications occurred in 7 (1.7%) men with down-sized cylinders. Device-related malfunctions were seen in 8 (2%) men. Conclusions This study demonstrates that down-sized cylinders are more frequently used in men with diabetes and surgeons should be prepared to place down-sized cylinders in these men. Prosthetic urologists are also more likely to use down-sized cylinders in men requiring sequential dilation likely due to fibrosis or more challenging dilations. Down-sized cylinders are associated with a low overall complication rate. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Intuitive Surgical, Fidelis, Urofill, Boston Scientific, Coloplast, Cynosure, Antares Pharma, Clarus Pharmaceuticals, Acerus Pharma; Endo Pharma.

Abstract Introduction 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) has gained popularity as an irrigant and dip for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery. Prior in vitro data is conflicting on the impact of CHG use with hydrophilic coated devices. Objective We sought to identify possible associations between CHG use and hydrophilic IPP infection rate. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2,933 patients undergoing IPP implantation across 14 referral centers. Data collection spanned from January 1, 2017 to March 1, 2024. Each surgeon contributed patients who underwent IPP implantation with CHG used as an irrigant and/or dip as well as an equal number of consecutive control patients without CHG use. The primary outcome was IPP explant for postoperative infection. Univariable analysis was used to compare patient demographics, and logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with infection. Results Hydrophilic devices were implanted in 2,150 patients. Median follow-up for non-CHG patients was 13 months (IQR 18) and four months (IQR 9) for CHG patients. The incidence of infection with intraoperative CHG use was significantly higher compared to those without CHG use (4.6%, 46/1,001 vs. 2.1%, 24/1,148, p<0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, intraoperative CHG use was associated with infection (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.24-3.47, p=0.01). Additional variables associated with infection included immunosuppression, prior IPP infection, prior priapism, and revision surgery (p<0.01, Table). On subgroup analyses, the increased infection risk of CHG was most clear when CHG was used as both irrigation and dip (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.19-3.46, p=0.01) and when CHG was used during revision surgery (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.15-9.82, p=0.03). Conclusions In a large multi-institutional cohort, intraoperative CHG use was associated with an elevated incidence of hydrophilic IPP infection. Providers may take these findings into consideration when performing IPP surgery with hydrophilic devices, especially during revision surgery. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Intuitive Surgical, Fidelis, Urofill, Boston Scientific, Coloplast, Cynosure, Antares Pharma, Clarus Pharmaceuticals, Acerus Pharma; Endo Pharma

3516 Background: ICIs produce durable benefit in MSI-H CRC, yet optimal treatment duration and monitoring strategies remain unclear. ctDNA enables minimally invasive assessment of molecular response during and after ICI. We evaluated real-world treatment patterns, outcomes, and longitudinal ctDNA dynamics in pts with MSI-H CRC treated with ICI. Methods: Pts with MSI-H mCRC treated with first-line ICI were identified from Natera’s Real-World Database with linked longitudinal ctDNA results (Signatera, Natera, Inc.) and commercial claims data (Forian’s Hybrid data ecosystem, CHRONOS). Overall survival (OS) was estimated using available mortality data (Veritas Data Research, Fact of Death Mortality Data Index). ctDNA status was assessed pre-ICI when available and longitudinally following ICI initiation. Outcomes included OS and time to next trmt (TTNT); ctDNA dynamics following ICI discontinuation were descriptively evaluated. Results: Among 559 pts treated with first line ICI (pembrolizumab [70.1%], ipilimumab+nivolumab [15.7%], and nivolumab [11.8%]), the median duration of ICI was 266 days. Baseline (pre-ICI) ctDNA results were available for 180 pts, including 38% who were treated with chemotherapy, and most pts (71.7%, 129/180) were ctDNA-positive (ctDNA(+)) prior to ICI initiation. Of these, 89.9% (116/129) had ctDNA-timepoints after the start of ICI, and 81.0% (94/116) achieved anytime ctDNA clearance (from ctDNA(+) to negative), while 19.0% (22/116) remained ctDNA(+). ctDNA(+) at anytime after the start of ICI (HR: 8.0, p < 0.0001) or on first result after the start of ICI (HR: 3.4, p < 0.0001) was associated with inferior OS compared ctDNA-negativity (ctDNA(-)) at these time points. Among pts whose first post-ICI test was ctDNA(+), 32% switched treatments, with a median TTNT of 302 days, compared to only 6.6% of pts (median TTNT 683 days) whose first post-ICI test was ctDNA(-). First post-ICI ctDNA status was associated with longer ICI duration (median 192 days for ctDNA(+) vs 303 days for ctDNA(-)), and ctDNA(+) was predictive of inferior OS (HR: 4.9; p < 0.001). ctDNA after the end of ICI was available for 392 patients; it was persistently negative in 77.2% (303/392), persistently positive in 12.8% (50/392), cleared after the end of ICI (positive to persistently negative) in 4.1%, and the remaining 5.9% had variable patterns (e.g. positive to negative to positive). Conclusions: In this large real-world cohort of MSI-H mCRC treated with ICI, longitudinal ctDNA dynamics strongly correlated with treatment durability, time to subsequent therapy, and OS. These findings support further evaluation of ctDNA to inform treatment duration and surveillance strategies in MSI-H mCRC.

Importance The choice of induction agent during rapid sequence intubation (RSI) of critically ill adults may affect clinical outcomes. Although ketamine and etomidate are frequently used for RSI, their comparative effectiveness remains controversial. Objective To compare the safety of etomidate vs ketamine for emergency RSI in critically ill adults. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used a target trial emulation with observational data collected between March 1, 2022, and April 30, 2024, from 18 emergency departments across Brazil, with data from the Brazilian Airway Registry Cooperation. Adults who underwent RSI and received either etomidate or ketamine as a sole hypnotic agent were included; those with preintubation cardiac arrest or immediate postintubation transfer were excluded. Exposure Administration of etomidate or ketamine as the induction agent for RSI. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was 28-day in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included 7-day in-hospital mortality, first-attempt intubation success, and major adverse events (new hemodynamic instability, severe hypoxemia, and cardiac arrest) within 30 minutes after intubation. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for confounding. Risk ratios (RRs) and risk differences (RDs) with 95% CIs were used to compare outcomes between groups. Results Among 1810 patients (median age, 64 years [IQR, 50-74 years]; 1048 men [57.9%]), 514 received ketamine and 1296 received etomidate. The median shock index was higher in the ketamine group than the etomidate group (0.81 [IQR, 0.65-1.01] vs 0.76 [IQR, 0.59-0.99]), and preintubation vasopressor use was more common in the ketamine group than the etomidate group (191 of 514 [37.2%] vs 391 of 1296 [30.2%]). Weighted 28-day mortality was higher with etomidate than ketamine (60.5% [95% CI, 57.2%-63.8%] vs 54.4% [95% CI, 45.0%-63.9%]; RR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.03-1.27]; RD, 7.6% [95% CI, 2.0%-13.3%]). Seven-day mortality was also higher with etomidate than ketamine (35.2% [95% CI, 32.0%-38.3%] vs 30.1% [95% CI, 23.5%-36.7%]; RR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.04-1.35]). New hemodynamic instability within 30 minutes after intubation was more frequent with ketamine (24.2% [95% CI, 20.4%-28.0%] vs 18.9% [95% CI, 16.7%-21.0%]; RR, 0.78 [0.64-0.95]). There were no statistically significant differences in the other secondary outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of critically ill adults undergoing RSI, etomidate use was associated with higher in-hospital mortality at 7 and 28 days compared with ketamine. These findings highlight the need for definitive randomized clinical trials to compare both agents.