A Comparative Analysis of Morphology and Dimensions of Functional Blebs following PRESERFLO-Microshunt and XEN-Gel-Stent, a Study Using Anterior Segment OCT.

Evaluation of bleb morphology is a vital part of successful filtration glaucoma surgery. The PRESERFLO-MicroShunt (PRESERFLO) and XEN-Gel-Stent (XEN) are drainage devices implanted using different surgical approaches (ab externo and ab interno, respectively), potentially resulting in distinct bleb morphology. Understanding these morphological differences is essential for postoperative care.

Results of open bleb revision as management of primary bleb failure following XEN 45 gel stent and Preserflo™ Microshunt.

Purpose: The success of filtering surgery as in XEN-Gel-Stent (XEN) and Preserflo-Microshunt (PF) depends mainly on a functioning bleb. Primary bleb failure (PBF) is not uncommon and can be treated with needling or open bleb revision (OBR). The aim of the study is to compare surgical outcomes of OBR after XEN and PF.

[Bleb morphology using optical coherence tomography : After primary implantation of XEN gel stent and open conjunctival revision].

Background: The implantation of a XEN gel stent is an innovative method for filtration surgery using an ab interno approach. The morphological evaluation of the resulting bleb is decisive for surgical success. Bleb revision is frequently needed after XEN implantation and might affect the bleb morphology.

Novel Bleb Classification Following Ab Interno Implantation of Gel-Stent Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

Prcis: A novel qualitative tomographical classification for bleb after implantation of XEN-Gel-Stent using ab interno approach is presented. Association of anatomic patterns to intraocular pressure (IOP) and success rates (SR) illustrates that anterior segment optical coherence tomography can be useful tool in clinical guidance.

Purpose: To present a novel classification of bleb resulting from ab interno implantation of XEN-Gel-Stent and report association of tomographical patterns with IOP and SR.

Geographical variability of patient characteristics and treatment patterns affect outcomes for incident hemodialysis patients.

Background: Geographical differences in disease prevalence and mortality have been described in the general population and in chronic kidney disease patients in Europe. In this secondary analysis of the Membrane Permeability Outcome (MPO) study, we addressed differences in patient and treatment patterns, and whether these affect patient outcomes.

Methods: Participating countries were grouped according to geographical location; thus study centers in France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain were allocated to southern Europe (n=499), and those in all other countries (Belgium, Germany, Poland and Sweden) to northern Europe (n=148).

Effect of membrane permeability on survival of hemodialysis patients.

The effect of high-flux hemodialysis membranes on patient survival has not been unequivocally determined. In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, we enrolled 738 incident hemodialysis patients, stratified them by serum albumin < or = 4 and >4 g/dl, and assigned them to either low-flux or high-flux membranes. We followed patients for 3 to 7.

The MPO Study: just a European HEMO Study or something very different?

Although results from observational and epidemiological studies suggested a survival benefit associated with high-flux hemodialysis, conclusive evidence from prospective randomized clinical trials has been lacking. Both the HEMO Study in the USA and the Membrane Permeability Outcome Study (MPO Study) in Europe are randomized studies investigating the effect of high- and low-flux hemodialysis on patient outcomes, even though there were some significant differences in the design of the two studies. An earlier randomized clinical trial could not show differences on patient survival between patient groups being treated with membranes of different material and permeability, but this trial was not designed specifically to examine this particular endpoint.

Fungal peritonitis complicating peritoneal dialysis during an 11-year period: report of 46 cases.

The incidence of fungal peritonitis (FP) and the fungi that caused FP were evaluated in 422 patients treated with peritoneal dialysis. During an 11-year period, 804 episodes of peritonitis occurred, 46 (5.7%) of which were caused by fungi.

C5b-9 and adhesion molecules in human idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Background: Cellular immune responses and C5b-9 seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). The aim of the study was to investigate the role of C5b-9 and adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 35 patients with biopsy-proven IMN were correlated with immunohistochemical findings using monoclonal antibodies against T lymphocytes, monocytes/macrophages (MM), HLA-DR antigens, C5b-9, and adhesion molecules such as alpha3beta1, LFA-1beta, and ICAM-1.