Noninfectious uveitic macular edema (NIU-ME) is a major cause of visual impairment in patients with uveitis. Intravitreal route can control inflammation rapidly, reduce macular edema, and improve vision with relatively lower doses of the drug. Currently, several intravitreal injection drugs have been used for the treatment of NIU-ME. Cataract and elevated intraocular pressure are the major complications. Due to its efficacy and safety, intravitreal drugs have gradually become an effective alternative to systemic treatment, especially in patients with unilateral disease. However, more studies are needed on drug selection, timing of injection and combination therapy in clinical practice. There are various treatments for NIU-ME, and the ultimate treatment should be individualized based on the severity of the disease, the risk/benefit ratio of each therapy, and the patient's tolerance.
ObjectivesTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of argon laser photocoagulation combined with intravitreous injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).MethodsArgon laser photocoagulation combined with intravitreous injection of TA was performed on 17 patients (17 eyes) with CRVO between December 2003 and July 2004.ResultsDuring the follow-up of 4-10 months, the visual acuity improved in 16 patients, including alleviated or even disappeared cystoid macular edema (CME) in 5, and recurred macular edema in 5 with decreased visual acuity after 3 months. Six patients had increased ocular pressure after intra-ocular injection which alleviated after treated suitably. No neovascularization in angle or secondary neovascular glaucoma was found.ConclusionArgon laser photocoagulation combined with intravitreous injection of TA may improve the visual acuity and reduce complications in ischemic CRVO, though macular edema may recur in some cases. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2005,21:224-225)
Objective To investigate the experimental condition and mechanism of differentiation of human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells（hUCB-MSC）into neuron-like cells induced by recombined human epidermal growth factor （rhEGF） and taurine in vitro.Methods hUCB-MSC were primary cultured in Dulbeccoprime;s modified Eagle's medium/F12 （DMEM/F-12）which supplemented with 105U/L penicillin G, 100 mg/L streptomycin sulfate, 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS),5% autologous plasma,4 mmol Lglutamine, 30 ng/ml rhEGF.The DMEM/F-12 medium was replaced by taurine medium after 3 passages.The expression of surface antigen CD90,CD29,CD34,CD44 and CD45 were detected by flow cytometry；the expression of neuron specific enolase,rhodopsin and nestin were investigated by immunocytochemistry. The statistical method was chi square test.Results Morphologically similar to bonemarrow MSC,hUCB-MSC became attached cells after the first 5 to 7 days in culture，and reached 80% to 90% confluent after 3 to 4 weeks. Growth accelerated after passage. hUCB-MSC were positive for CD29,CD44 and CD90 but negative for CD34 and CD45. After taurine induction, 2515/3120 cells expressed NSE, 1168/3175 cells expressed rhodopsin and 903/3050 cells expressed nestin while only 234/2965 cells expressed NSE in the control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion rhEGF and taurine can induce hUCB-MSC differentiating into neuronlike or rhodopsin positive cells.