Migraine History Linked to Persistent Dysphotopsia after Monofocal Lens Implantation, claims study

Dysphotopsia, characterized by the perception of visual disturbances such as glare or halos, is a common concern following cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. While transient dysphotopsia often resolves spontaneously, persistent dysphotopsia can significantly impact patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Researchers have found in a new study that history of migraine was associated with increased dysphotopsia severity and decreased patient satisfaction following cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

The study published in the Canadian Journal Of Ophthalmology was conducted by Maggie J. and colleagues.

Previous studies have explored various factors contributing to dysphotopsia, including IOL design, pupil size, and optical properties. However, the role of neuroadaptation-related risk factors, such as migraine history, remains less understood. Migraine is known to involve neurovascular mechanisms that could influence visual perception and potentially exacerbate dysphotopsia symptoms.

In this retrospective cohort study, conducted at an academic institution and a private practice in Saint Louis, Missouri, researchers aimed to identify neuroadaptation-related risk factors for persistent positive dysphotopsia (>6 months) following monofocal lens implantation. Participants included adults who underwent cataract extraction with monofocal IOL implantation between January 2010 and April 2021. Exclusion criteria comprised dementia, visual pathway damage, and significant pathology causing photopsia.

The key findings of the study were as follows:

  • The study included 385 participants (385 eyes), of whom 66 experienced persistent dysphotopsia (58 positive), while 298 had none, and 21 had nonpersistent dysphotopsia.

  • Migraine prevalence was higher among individuals with dysphotopsia (21.2%) compared to those without (11.4%).

  • History of migraine was associated with an increase in Pseudophakic Dysphotopsia Questionnaire 6 (PDQ-6) score by 2.76 points (p = 0.006).

  • Six individuals in each group had Visual Aura Rating Scale (VARS) scores greater than zero.

  • The mean VARS score was significantly higher in the dysphotopsia group (0.48) compared to the non-dysphotopsia group (0.14) (p = 0.03).

  • Younger age, female sex, history of migraine, and higher VARS score were associated with lower satisfaction levels among participants with dysphotopsia.

The study findings suggest that a history of migraine is associated with increased severity of dysphotopsia and decreased patient satisfaction following monofocal lens implantation. These results underscore the importance of considering migraine history in patient selection and counseling to optimize surgical outcomes and enhance patient satisfaction. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to validate these findings and inform personalized approaches to cataract surgery.

Reference:

Xing, M. J., Moulin, T. A., Suresh, T., Gira, J. P., Sheybani, A., & Van Stavern, G. P. (2024). Migraine is a risk factor for pseudophakic positive dysphotopsia following monofocal lens implantation. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. Journal Canadien d’ophtalmologie. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjo.2024.02.010

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Experimental vaccine found effective against both ocular trachoma and urogenital chlamydia in Phase 1 trial: Lancet

Initial results from a recent Phase 1 clinical trial indicate that the experimental vaccine CTH522 could be a crucial tool against both ocular trachoma and urogenital chlamydia. The key findings were published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 

The CHLM-02 trial was conducted at the National Institute for Health Research Imperial Clinical Research Facility in London, UK. It involved healthy male and female participants from 18 to 45 years, all of whom were free from any pre-existing genital infections caused by C. trachomatis. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed the safety and immunogenicity of various dosing regimens of the vaccine candidate CTH522 which is a recombinant protein based on the major outer membrane molecule of bacterium.

The participants were divided into six groups where five groups received the vaccine in different dosing formats and combinations, and one group receiving a placebo. The vaccine was administered intramuscularly, intradermally and topically into the eye in prime-boost regimens by utilizing two different liposomal adjuvants, the CAF01 and CAF09b.

The results from the trial from February 2020 to February 2022 were highly encouraging. A total of 65 participants were enrolled where 60 participants completed the trial. The study reported no serious adverse events and the majority of side effects were mild to moderate. Also, a 100% seroconversion rate was observed by day 42 in all active vaccine groups that indicates a significant immune response.

The different administration routes seemed to improve vaccine efficacy against specific types of infections. The intradermal administration of CTH522 led to high titers of neutralizing antibodies against the serovars linked with trachoma and genital infections. The topical ocular administration significantly elevated ocular IgA levels which suggested potential effectiveness against ocular trachoma.

The primary outcome of the trial was to evaluate safety while the secondary outcome focused on humoral immunogenicity, specifically the percentage of the participants who achieved a significant increase in anti-CTH522 IgG antibody levels. The findings suggest that CTH522 when adjuvanted with CAF01, induced robust serum IgG binding titers. Also, participants developed strong cell-mediated immune responses in groups who received the vaccine with the CAF09b adjuvant. Further research through the Phase 2 clinical trials would test effectiveness of CTH522 in larger populations. If successful, this vaccine candidate could become a critical resource in controlling and potentially eradicating infections caused by C. trachomatis.

Reference:

Pollock, K. M., Borges, Á. H., Cheeseman, H. M., Rosenkrands, I., Schmidt, K. L., Søndergaard, R. E., Day, S., Evans, A., McFarlane, L. R., Joypooranachandran, J., Amini, F., Skallerup, P., Dohn, R. B., Jensen, C. G., Olsen, A. W., Bang, P., Cole, T., Schronce, J., Lemm, N.-M., … Follmann, F. (2024). An investigation of trachoma vaccine regimens by the chlamydia vaccine CTH522 administered with cationic liposomes in healthy adults (CHLM-02): a phase 1, double-blind trial. In The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00147-6

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Gauhati Medical College PG Gynaecology medico expelled for 1 year over allegations of slapping pregnant woman

Guwahati: A third-year PG medico at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) has been expelled by the college administration for a year after allegations were levelled against him of hitting a pregnant woman in the hospital.

The incident reportedly took place in the labour room of the hospital. Sources informed TOI that the medico got angry when the woman reportedly spit on and shouted at him. In reply, the doctor slapped her in the face, the source said, as quoted by TOI.

It was alleged that the doctor had assaulted the patient in the labour room leading to bruises on the patient’s face. Images of the bruised face of the patient were shared over social media, leading the authorities to take immediate action on the matter.

Subsequently, the GMCH authorities constituted a four-member inquiry committee to probe the allegations. According to an inquiry order, the committee was asked to submit a report on the allegation of physical assault by PGT of O&G to one admitted case in the O&G department of GMCH.

This committee was chaired by Dr BP Das, Prof and HOD of the O&G Department and comprised of Dr Kanakeswar Bhuyan, Prof and HOD of the Surgery Department as a member, Dr Pankaj Adhikari, Prof and HOD of the Dermatology Department as the Member Secretary and Dr Pradip Kr Das, Additional Superintendent of GMCH as a Member. The committee was ordered to investigate the matter and submit the report within 24 hours, reports Sentinel Assam.

Speaking to TOI, GMCH medical superintendent Abhijit Sarma said “Dr ** is a third-year PG student and has been expelled from the course for a year. After one year, we will decide whether he should be given a further chance to study.”

Also read- Dereliction Of Duty: Medical Officer Faces Suspension, Another Under Radar Of JnK Health Dept

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Dr.Reddy’s Labs gets CDSCO Panel Nod To Manufacture, Market anti-cancer drug Lenalidomide 20mg additional strength

New Delhi: The drug major Dr Reddy’s Labs has got a go-ahead from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) functional under the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to manufacture and market the anti-cancer drug Lenalidomide capsules 20mg (additional strength) with Phase-III clinical trial (CT) waiver.

This came after Dr.Reddy’s Labs presented the proposal for manufacturing and marketing permission for Lenalidomide capsules 20mg (additional strength) along with justification for the waiver of Phase-III CT with Bioequivalence study report of Lenalidomide capsules 25mg before the committee.

The firm has informed that the proposed formulation strength 5mg 10 mg, 15mg, and 25 mg of Lenalidomide Capsules 20mg are already approved by CDSCO since 2007 in the country. The proposed strength 20 mg of Lenalidomide capsules are only for dose titration purposes only.

Lenalidomide is a thalidomide derivative used to treat multiple myeloma and anemia in low to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug with potent antineoplastic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lenalidomide is a drug with multiple mechanisms of action. Lenalidomide exerts immunomodulating effects by altering cytokine production, regulating T-cell co-stimulation, and enhancing NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

At the recent SEC meeting for Oncology held on 3rd and 4th April 2024, the expert panel reviewed the proposal presented by the drug major Dr Reddy’s Labs to manufacture and market Lenalidomide capsules 20mg (additional strength) along with justification for the waiver of Phase-III CT with Bioequivalence study report of Lenalidomide capsules 25mg before the committee.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended the grant of permission to manufacture and market Lenalidomide capsules 20mg (additional strength) with a Phase-III clinical trial waiver.

Also Read: Bharath Biotech Gets CDSCO Panel Nod To Manufacture Cholera Vaccine, Inactivated, Oral for 1 year age and above

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Mac-Chem Products Boisar facility Successfully Renews EU GMP Certification

Mumbai: Mac-Chem Products (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Mac-Chem) announced today the successful renewal of its European Union Goods Manufacturing Practices) (EU-GMP certification for its manufacturing facility in Boisar. The approval marks a significant milestone for Mac-Chem in its journey of global leadership. The audit was conducted in October 2023 by Swissmedic Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products. 

Speaking on the development, Mr. Manish Jain, Director at Mac-Chem said, “We are delighted with the successful renewal of our EU-GMP certification. The achievement affirms our commitment to the highest standards of quality and compliance aligning with the European regulations.
The timely approval further reaffirms our commitment for delivering high-quality pharma products that positively impact patient care globally.”
The EU-GMP certification underlines the Boisar facility’s capabilities to ensure consistent and controlled production in accordance with EU quality standards. The facility produces a wide range of APIs, with a special focus on oncology and other niche specialty segments.
Also Read:Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Gets CDSCO Panel Nod to Study Lobeglitazone Sulfate, Glimepiride FDC Table

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Health Bulletin 19/ April/ 2024

Here are the top health news for the day:

Delhi Doctor loses Rs 5 lakh in FedEx courier scam
In yet another incident of the FedEx courier scam, a woman doctor in Delhi was duped of Rs 5 lakh by fraudsters who posed as FedEx personnel and Mumbai Police cyber crime officers.
According to the police, the doctor lost the money in a fake drug parcel scam orchestrated by the fraudsters who coerced and manipulated her into transferring the amount to their account.
For more information click on the link below:
Nestle adds sugar to baby food sold in India: Report
In the labyrinth of baby-food choices, parents navigate with utmost care, seeking products that promise wholesome nutrition and optimal health for their little ones. Yet, a recent investigation into Nestle’s baby-food brands in India unveils a troubling revelation: while caregivers across developed nations trust in sugar-free formulations, those in India unknowingly feed their babies products laden with added sugars. This stark contrast not only raises red flags about the health implications for infants but also ignites a broader conversation about transparency and ethical practices in the food industry. As caregivers, we entrust these products with the well-being of our children, assuming they uphold the highest standards of nutrition and integrity. However, the veil of hidden sugars shrouds our understanding, leaving us grappling with unforeseen risks to our babies’ health. The absence of clear labeling exacerbates this issue, leaving consumers in the dark about what they’re truly feeding their little ones. The repercussions extend beyond immediate health concerns, echoing into the future dietary habits of our children. The insidious cycle of sugar addiction, initiated in infancy, poses a grave threat to their long-term well-being, predisposing them to obesity and chronic diseases in adulthood.
Daytime sleep can raise Dementia risk: Report
Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist, cautions against the belief that daytime sleep can make up for a poor night’s rest. Contrary to this notion, he emphasizes that daytime sleep disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and may even heighten the risk of dementia and psychiatric issues.
Daytime sleep, he explains, is lighter and doesn’t sync with our internal body clock, failing to fulfill the essential functions of sleep. Studies on night shift workers corroborate this, showing associations with stress, obesity, cognitive impairments, and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases.

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Primary care program blending virtual with in-person options connects locals to family physicians

An innovative health care program developed by researchers at the University of Ottawa has successfully paired residents with family physicians at a time when Canada is lagging behind comparable, high-income countries in providing access to primary care providers.

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Elevated glutamine triggers stroke risk in moyamoya disease via endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, finds study

A study appearing in MedComm has been led by Dr. Jizong Zhao, Dr. Dong Zhang, and Dr. Peicong Ge (Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University and Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital). The team presents a comprehensive investigation involving 360 adult MMD patients, finding that elevated serum glutamine levels were linked to increased stroke risk. Manipulation of integrin subunit beta 4 (ITGB4) and the use of atorvastatin was reported to alleviate the glutamine-induced EndMT, offering potential new therapeutic approaches for MMD.

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Mitigating the risk of infection in combat-related injuries

The severely invasive nature of combat trauma creates massive regions of injury, colonization and infection, requiring specialized diagnostic and aggressive therapeutic approaches. Previous reports indicate an estimated occurrence of wound infections in 18%–25% of combat-related injuries.

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Researchers discover new therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for nearly 85% of all lung cancer cases. Targeted immunotherapy is a common treatment, but it does not work for everyone. However, a new Moffitt Cancer Center study published in the journal Immunity offers insight into how lung cancer cells evade the protective immune system, potentially opening a door for novel antibody-based immunotherapies.

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