Did you think it's just about vitreous?...
It's fascinating to learn blood derived inflammatory markers have been found with individuals diagnosed with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) - pointing to underlying non-ocular system wide inflammatory processes contributing to or initiating its pathophysiologic course. This means iERM may not be idiopathic at all.
Findings have shown various inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), being significantly elevated in these individuals. This suggests a potential link between systemic inflammation and the development of iERM. Specifically, it has been found patients with iERM exhibited higher NLR values (2.25 vs. 1.91, p = 0.003) and PLR values (117.22 vs. 113.33, p = 0.042), indicating these markers could serve as potential tools for higher-risk development or confirmation of iERM. However, it is also important to note while these inflammatory markers may correlate with the presence of iERM, they do not necessarily reflect its potential severity.
This pathophysiologic complexity supports further research to explore the relationship between underlying immunopathology (unwanted systemic inflammation) with not only iERM but various other ophthalmopathy. Ultimately, it matters because this can lead the way for improved diagnostic and management strategies - improving outcomes and our better understanding of ocular immunopathophysiology.
-JRM
Go the article in BMC Ophthalmology HERE.
5 Mistakes ODs Make That Undermine Their Medical Authority
OD's...Are you quietly giving your practice away?...
In daily practice, the biggest threat to patient retention isn’t dissatisfaction.
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When your practice setting, clinical approach, communication, or referral habits suggest you’ll hand off the “serious stuff” - you’ve already given them permission to go elsewhere next time.
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