Evaluation and management of apparent life-threatening events in infants.

Apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) are frightening to caregivers and clinicians alike. This article provides a comprehensive review of the causes, management, and consequences of ALTEs. The information provided was collected from an extensive literature review using the search terms ALTE, sudden infant death syndrome, and apnea.

Structural alterations of the erythrocyte membrane proteins in diabetic retinopathy.

Background: Several rheological disorders of the erythrocytes, such as increased aggregation and decreased deformability, have been observed in diabetes mellitus and have been implicated in the development of diabetic microangiopathy. Structural alterations of the erythrocyte membrane proteins caused by the diabetic process may be at the origin of those observations. In the present study, we searched for erythrocyte membrane protein alterations in diabetic retinopathy.

Ulcerative keratitis in contact lens wearers.

Purpose: To determine the clinical microbiological characteristics of corneal ulcers in contact lens wearers.

Methods: A retrospective study of 23 patients admitted to our department with contact lens-related corneal ulcers during a 43-month period. Detailed demographic data, the type of contact lens, duration of lens wear, and wearing schedule were derived from a self-administered questionnaire.

Does identification of the causal organism of corneal ulcers influence the outcome?

Purpose: To investigate whether identification of the causal organism in corneal ulcers influences their outcome.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 114 patients, 72 males and 42 females aged 6-89 years, admitted to this eye clinic during the years 1994-2000 on account of an infectious corneal ulcer. Their examination included a detailed history, visual acuity measurement, and biomicroscopy in everyday follow-up.