Publications by authors named "Antonia Howaldt"

Article Synopsis
  • Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a genetic and age-related disease leading to the loss of corneal endothelial cells, resulting in corneal swelling and vision issues.
  • Advanced FECD often shows a fibrillar layer (FL) on the corneal surface, especially in the inferotemporal quadrant, which can be measured using specialized imaging techniques.
  • Current treatments mainly involve corneal transplantation, particularly DMEK surgery, with new approaches like smaller grafts and advancements in imaging for better assessment and planning of surgeries.
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Purpose: To investigate the genetic cause, clinical characteristics, and potential therapeutic targets of infantile corneal myofibromatosis.

Design: Case series with genetic and functional analyses.

Participants: Four individuals from 2 unrelated families with clinical signs of corneal myofibromatosis were investigated.

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Managers in the healthcare system play a critical role in ensuring high quality patient care, optimization of resources, management of complex situations, creation of a positive work environment and promotion of continuous progress. They set clear goals, support interdisciplinary collaboration, ensure patient safety and quality care, and assist in the development of future leaders. To accomplish these multiple tasks, important qualities such as integrity, communication skills, self-awareness, ability to learn, influence, empathy, courage, respect, ability to delegate and gratitude are essential.

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Background: The blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) separates immunoprivileged tissue of the eye from the blood circulation. Disruption of the BAB is therefore a risk factor for rejection after keratoplasty.

Purpose: The present work provides a review of the work of our group and others on BAB disruption in penetrating and posterior lamellar keratoplasty and its implications for clinical outcome.

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Article Synopsis
  • Recent research shows that lymphatic vessels, once thought absent in the eye, play a significant role in various eye diseases.
  • The review explores how these vessels contribute to conditions like dry eye, corneal graft rejection, and tumors, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.
  • It also highlights new therapeutic approaches based on targeting lymphangiogenesis, with promising initial results from clinical trials aimed at improving transplant survival and managing glaucoma.
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Central subendothelial geographic deposits are formed as a fibrillar layer (FL) in advanced Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Previous studies demonstrated a significant decrease in corneal endothelial cell (CEC) density and an increase in focal corneal backscatter in the FL area. The present study investigated the association of the FL with edema formation and its localization.

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Unlabelled: A central collagen-rich subendothelial fibrillar layer (FL) correlates with areas of accentuated loss of corneal endothelial cells in advanced Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). The present study sought to investigate whether the FL may be visualized by en face Scheimpflug backscatter imaging in vivo.

Design: Retrospective analysis of a prospective observational case series.

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Osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia (OSMD) is a rare autosomal recessive sclerosing skeletal dysplasia. We report on a 34-year-old patient with sandwich vertebrae, platyspondyly, osteosclerosis of the tubular bones, pathologic fractures, and anemia. In the third decade, he developed osteonecrosis of the jaws, which was progressive in spite of repeated surgical treatment over a period of 11 years.

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Craniofrontonasal syndrome (CFNS) (OMIM #304110) is a very rare, X-linked developmental disorder characterized by facial stigmata, including hypertelorism, frontonasal dysplasia, craniosynostosis, bifid nasal tip, and digital abnormalities. CFNS is caused by mutations in the Ephrin 1 gene (EFNB1) located at Xq13.1, which encodes the transmembrane protein Ephrin B1.

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The osteopetroses and related sclerosing bone dysplasias can have a broad range of manifestations. Especially in the milder forms, sandwich vertebrae are an easily recognizable and reliable radiological hallmark. We report on four patients from three families presenting with sandwich vertebrae and platyspondyly.

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