Differential-diagnostic approach in assessing the nature of the course of partial atrophy of the optic nerve

Purpose. To determine the diagnostic criteria for the progressive nature of the course of non-glaucomatous etiology of ONA according to the data of electrophysiological and Doppler studies. Material and methods. In accordance with the purpose of the study, 3 groups were formed of 95 patients aged 37 to 72 years, (average age 56±9 years), 53 of them were men and 42 were women. Clinical data of three clinical groups were compared, of which the first group with stationary ONA, the second with progressive ONA, and the third control group, without pathology of the retina and optic nerve. Results. It was revealed that the progressive nature of the course of non-glaucomatous ONA is influenced by changes in indicators such as electrical lability of the optic nerve, maximum systolic and end diastolic blood flow velocity in the ophthalmic artery and in the lateral posterior short ciliary arteries. Conclusion. The results formed the basis for our development of a method for assessing the course of ONA. Key words: partial atrophy of the optic nerve, electrophysiological studies, Doppler studies.

The effectiveness of treatment of partial optic nerve atrophy in children

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of early treatment in patients with partial optic nerve atrophy, nystagmus and albinism. Material and methods. A study of case histories and outpatient records of 265 patients with partial optic nerve atrophy was carried out. Among them, 219 children received a single course of treatment and 46 children received two or more courses of treatment at different periods of initiation of therapy. Results. After a single course of treatment, 54% of children had no dynamics of visual acuity. After regular complex treatment, visual acuity increased by 0.2 and higher in 58.3% of children at the beginning of treatment under 3 years of age. In cases of isolated lesions of the optic nerve and with a combination of partial atrophy of the optic nerve with nystagmus, an increase in visual acuity by 0.2 and higher was noted in 50% and 60%, respectively, at the start of treatment for children under 3 years of age. Conclusion. Treatment of partial atrophy of the optic nerve is effective in children with regular courses of therapy. An increase in visual acuity by 0.2 and higher was observed twice as often at the start of complex treatment up to 3 years. Key words: optic nerve atrophy, children, visual acuity

Prenatal treatment with metronidazole induces cerebellar folia alteration in guinea pig fetuses

The most sensitive period in brain development is during prenatal life. The use of antibiotics in pregnancy is still controversial. Recent studies revealed the high neurotoxic potential of the antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication, metronidazole. However, there are insufficient data from animal studies about prenatal treatment effects. We investigated the effect of prenatal treatment with metronidazole on cerebellar development in guinea pigs. Treatment with metronidazole was performed from the 42nd to the 49th day of gestation. On the 50th day of pregnancy, all dams were killed, and the cerebella of the fetuses were analyzed. Gross cerebellar changes characterized by malposition of the folia with partial atrophy were found in 12 of 19 fetuses in the experimental group, but in none of 20 control fetuses that received saline. The most affected were folia VII with depletion of the areal fraction of the external granular layer, molecular layer and the internal granular layer. Purkinje cells displayed cell distortion with loss of normal dendritic polarity. The investigation revealed cell depletion, with a disturbance of the cytoarchitectonic of the cerebellar cortex and folia alteration.

Features of the visual analyzer change in the primary progressive type of multiple sclerosis

The article deals with the features of visual disturbances in patient with primary progressive type of multiple sclerosis (MS). On the basis of clinical observations, it was found that, in contrast to the relapsing-remitting type of MS, the visual disturbances are accompanied by a rapidly progressive decrease in visual and oculomotor functions. The process of development of descending partial atrophy of the optic nerve with primary progressive type of MS is symmetric, in contrast to the relapsing-remitting type of the course of MS and is determined by the increase in the severity of brain structures atrophy according to MRI.

Clinical functional results of the continuous electromagnetic stimulation in patients with optic nerve partial atrophy

In this article, a treatment analysis is given of 81 patients (98 eyes) with optic nerve pathologic conditions using author-developed method of continuous optic nerve electromagnetic stimulation (neuromodulation), in comparison to traditional in-patient therapy. Authors present an original method of electrode implantation; show a dynamics of visual function changes in groups as a result of treatment: those of visual acuity, of electrophysiology testing results, and of visual fields. It is demonstrated that neuromodulation method allows performing stimulation therapy in out-patients; continuous stimulation regimen use causes an important and longstanding therapeutic effect without any negative impact on surrounding tissues.

Lack of ERG-antibody in Benign Mimickers of Prostate Cancer

Introduction: Prostate carcinoma (PC) is the second most diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Prostate tissue in needle biopsy expresses a wide variety of architectural patterns some of which are difficult to interpret. Immunohistochemical markers, such as AMACR, p63 and 34βE12 that are currently used in diagnosing prostate cancer, are of great value, but often their interpretation is ambiguous. In 2005 Tomlins et al. identified an emerging marker, erythroblastosis E26 rearrangement gene (ERG), which is a member of the family of genes encoding erythroblast-transformation specific transcription factors (ETS) with frequent expression in PC. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of ERG in benign mimickers of PC in needle biopsies and its diagnostic value alone and in combination with AMACK and 34βE12. Results: Of the selected 46 biopsies, two were eventually diagnosed as PC Gleason score 6 as they were simultaneously ERG and AMACR-positive and 34βE12-negative. One case was considered atypical. The remaining 43 biopsies were diagnosed as benign cases: simple atrophy in 13 cases, partial atrophy in 11, adenosis in 9, basal cell hyperplasia in 3, post-atrophic hyperplasia in 3, clear cell hyperplasia in 2 and sclerotic adenosis in 2 cases. None of the 43 benign cores showed evidence of ERG expression. Conclusion: ERG could be preferably used in diagnosing prostate needle biopsies, lesions that are hard to interpret and controversial expression of AMACR/34βE12.

LEBER'S DISEASE. CLINICAL CASE

Violation of visual functions and oculomotor frustration develop at 90% of patients with MS. More than a half of patients are transferred by the numerous recurrence of an optical neuritis which is coming to an end with a partial atrophy of optic nerve. For well-timed purpose of pathogenetic treatment differential diagnostics with other diseases, being accompanied an atrophy of an optic nerve, in particular with Leber's disease.

Alternative ways of the development of babies’ visual perception

The article describes the importance of visual perception for newborns` neurobehavioral development. Alternative ways of stimulation of visual analyzer in newborns with diseases of retina or optic nerve are described. The usage of color-therapy for improving of visual perception of babies with central neurological system damage and partial atrophy of optic nerve is presented. Color-therapy can have positive effect on development of newborns` visual perception.