Immunohistochemical study of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor suppressor protein (p53) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) in the conjunctiva of diabetic patients.

The expression pattern of VEGF, p53 and ICAM-1 was studied in conjunctiva of diabetic patients with and without retinopathy. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including retinal fluorescein angiography. Indirect immunoperoxidase method was performed on 20 eyes of 20 patients with type II diabetes without DR and on 5 eyes of 5 patients with PDR.

A homozygous splice mutation in the HSF4 gene is associated with an autosomal recessive congenital cataract.

Purpose: To map the locus and identify the gene causing autosomal recessive congenital cataracts in a large consanguineous Tunisian family.

Methods: DNA was extracted from blood samples from a large Tunisian family with an autosomal recessive, congenital, total white cataract. A genome-wide scan was performed with microsatellite markers.

[Penetrating keratoplasty in children].

Penetrating keratoplasty in children is a high risk transplantation. Indications increased with improvement of surgical techniques and therapies. Our purpose is to study anatomic and functional results of penetrating keratoplasty in children.

[Visual impairment in Tunisia].

The purpose is to study visual impairment in Tunisia, its epidemiology, its etiologies and to present the major prevention measures. This study was conducted between 1992 and 1998. 1105 patients were examined in specialized outpatient clinic.

[Retinal detachment due to macular hole: therapeutic problems].

Unlabelled: To compare the success rate and the visual improvement of different surgical techniques for treating 21 retinal detachments due to macular hole in highly myopic eyes.

Methods: Twelve patients were treated by gas tamponade alone, 5 patients underwent vitrectomy with gas tamponade, 4 patients underwent vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane pealing and gas or oil silicone tamponade.

Results: Fifty eight % of patients were successfully treated after gas tamponade alone, and 75% after vitrectomy, epiretinal membrane pealing and gas or silicone oil tamponade.