The Role of Genetic Testing in Avoiding Diagnostic Delays in Inherited Retinal Disease.

Purpose: To identify and highlight potential delays in diagnosis and improve the characterization of the providers referring individuals affected with suspected IRDs for specialty care, we performed an analysis of the patients with IRDs seen by an ophthalmic genetics specialty service. In addition, we analyzed the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in patients with IRD in our series and compared this information with other previous studies.

Methods: We analyzed 131 consecutive patients with suspected IRDs referred to an ophthalmic genetics specialty service at a tertiary hospital.

Current progress of human trials using stem cell therapy as a treatment for diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus affects millions of people worldwide, and is associated with serious complications that affect nearly all body systems. Because of the severity of this global health concern, there is a great deal of research being performed on alternative treatments and possible cures. Previous treatments for diabetes have included exogenous insulin injection and pancreatic islet transplantations.