Suzann Pershing

All Publications

• Self-Reported Receipt of Dilated Fundus Exams among Patients with Diabetes: Medicare Expenditure Panel Survey, 2002-2013. American journal of ophthalmology Tien Tran, E. M., Bhattacharya, J., Pershing, S. 2017

  Abstract

  To evaluate self-reported adherence to diabetic retinopathy screening examinations among diabetic subjects.Retrospective, population-based cross-sectional study.Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) consolidated full-year and prescribed drugs data from 2002-2013 were reviewed; multivariable logistic regression was used to identify patient characteristics as potential barriers to receiving examinations.Of 13 299 persons in the MEPS sample, only 39.62% (95% confidence interval [CI] 38.56%-40.67%) reported receiving annual dilated eye examinations, and 90.31% (CI 89.70%-90.91%) reported ever having received an eye examination. Significant factors related to ever receiving an eye examination included completed high school (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53; CI, 1.33-1.75), bachelor's degree or higher (OR = 1.94; CI, 1.56-2.41), private health insurance (OR = 2.07; CI, 1.70-2.52), public insurance (OR = 1.90; CI, 1.56-2.31), household income >400% of the poverty threshold (OR = 1.75; CI, 1.36-2.25), prescribed diabetes medication (OR = 1.45; CI, 1.27-1.65), diabetic kidney disease (OR = 1.31; CI, 1.08-1.59), prior foot examination (OR = 1.49; CI, 1.28-1.74), prior hemoglobin A1c test (OR = 1.45; CI, 1.28-1.64), and having a usual care provider (OR = 1.50; CI, 1.25-1.80). Self-reported Asian ethnicity (OR = 0.51; CI, 0.39-0.65), needing assistance for at least 3 months (OR = 0.79; CI, 0.62-1.00), and proxy needed to fill out the survey (OR = 0.72; CI, 0.61-0.85) were associated with lower odds of reporting ever having received a dilated eye examination.In this national-representative sample, 90.31% of patients with diabetes reported ever having a dilated eye examination; only 39.62% reported receiving one annually as recommended. These low rates appear associated with possibly modifiable factors, including having a regular care provider, increasing access to care, enrollment in health insurance, and higher education.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.04.009

  View details for PubMedID 28455116

• Cataract Surgery Complications and Revisit Rates Among Three States AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY Pershing, S., Morrison, D. E., Hernandez-Boussard, T. 2016; 171: 130-138

  Abstract

  To characterize population-based 30-day procedure-related readmissions (revisits) following cataract surgery.Ambulatory cataract surgery performed in California, Florida, or New York DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.This study used all-capture state administrative datasets. Cataract procedures from CA, FL, and NY state ambulatory surgery settings were identified using ICD-9-CM and CPT codes. Thirty-day readmissions (revisits) were identified in inpatient, ambulatory, and emergency department settings across each state RESULTS: Across the three states, the all-cause 30-day readmission rate was 6.0% and the procedure-related readmission (revisit) rate was 1.0%. Procedure-related revisits were highest for patients aged 20-29 (2.9%) and 30-39 (2.3%) and lowest for patients aged 70-79 (0.9%). Multivariate associations between clinical characteristics and 30-day procedure-related revisits included age 20-29 (Odds Ratio [OR]: 3.13; 95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 2.33-4.20) and age 30-39 (OR: 2.35; CI: 1.91-2.89) compared to age 70-79, male gender (OR: 1.29; CI: 1.24-1.34), races black (OR: 1.37; CI: 1.27-1.48) and Hispanic (OR: 1.16; CI: 1.08-1.24) compared to white, and Medicaid insurance (OR: 1.18, CI: 1.07-1.30) compared to Medicare. Diabetes was also associated with increased 30-day procedure-related revisits (OR: 1.093, CI: 1.024-1.168).Cataract surgery is a common and, in aggregate, expensive procedure. Complication-related revisits follow a similar trend as surgical complications in large-scale population data, and may be useful as a preliminary, screening, outcome measure. Our results highlight the importance of age as a risk factor for cataract surgery readmissions, and suggest a relationship between black or Hispanic race, Medicaid insurance, and diabetes associated with higher risk for cataract surgery complications.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2016.08.036

  View details for Web of Science ID 000388545800018

  View details for PubMedID 27615607

• Integrating the Internship into Ophthalmology Residency Programs: Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology American Academy of Ophthalmology White Paper. Ophthalmology Oetting, T. A., Alfonso, E. C., Arnold, A., Cantor, L. B., Carter, K., Cruz, O. A., Feldon, S., Mondino, B., Parke, D. W., Pershing, S., Uhler, T., Volpe, N. J. 2016; 123 (9): 2037-2041

  Abstract

  Future ophthalmologists will need to have broad skills to thrive in complex health care organizations. However, training for ophthalmologists does not take advantage of all of the postgraduate years (PGYs). Although the traditional residency years seem to have little excess capacity, enhancing the internship year does offer an opportunity to expand the time for ophthalmology training in the same 4 PGYs. Integrating the internship year into residency would allow control of all of the PGYs, allowing our profession to optimize training for ophthalmology. In this white paper, we propose that we could capture an additional 6 months of training time by integrating basic ophthalmology training into the intern year. This would allow 6 additional months to expand training in areas such as quality improvement or time for "mini-fellowships" to allow graduates to develop a deeper set of skills.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.06.021

  View details for PubMedID 27423312

• Defining a Minimum Set of Standardized Patient-centered Outcome Measures for Macular Degeneration. American journal of ophthalmology Rodrigues, I. A., Sprinkhuizen, S. M., Barthelmes, D., Blumenkranz, M., Cheung, G., Haller, J., Johnston, R., Kim, R., Klaver, C., McKibbin, M., Ngah, N. F., Pershing, S., Shankar, D., Tamura, H., Tufail, A., Weng, C. Y., Westborg, I., Yelf, C., Yoshimura, N., Gillies, M. C. 2016; 168: 1-12

  Abstract

  To define a minimum set of outcome measures for tracking, comparing, and improving macular degeneration care.Recommendations from working-group of international experts in macular degeneration outcomes registry development and patient advocates, facilitated by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM).Modified Delphi technique, supported by structured teleconferences, followed by online-surveys to drive consensus decisions. Potential outcomes were identified through literature review of outcomes collected in existing registries and reported in major clinical trials. Outcomes were refined by the working-group and selected based upon impact on patients, relationship to good clinical care and feasibility of measurement in routine clinical practice.Standardized measurement of the following outcomes is recommended: visual functioning and quality of life (distance visual acuity, mobility and independence, emotional well-being, reading and accessing information); number of treatments; complications of treatment; and disease-control. Proposed data-collection sources include administrative, clinical data during routine clinical visits and patient-reported sources annually. Recording the following clinical characteristics is recommended to enable risk-adjustment: age; gender; ethnicity; smoking status; baseline visual acuity in both eyes; type of macular degeneration; presence of geographic atrophy, subretinal fibrosis or pigment epithelial detachment; previous macular degeneration treatment; ocular co-morbidities.The recommended minimum outcomes and pragmatic reporting standards should enable standardized, meaningful assessments and comparisons of macular degeneration treatment outcomes. Adoption could accelerate global improvements in standardized data-gathering and reporting of patient-centered outcomes. This can facilitate informed decisions by patients and health care providers, plus allow long-term monitoring of aggregate data, ultimately improving understanding of disease progression and treatment responses.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2016.04.012

  View details for PubMedID 27131774

• Predictive modeling of risk factors and complications of cataract surgery. European journal of ophthalmology Gaskin, G. L., Pershing, S., Cole, T. S., Shah, N. H. 2016; 26 (4): 328-337

  Abstract

  Cataract surgery is generally safe; however, severe complications exist. Preexisting conditions are known to predispose patients to intraoperative and postoperative complications. This study quantifies the relationship between aggregated preoperative risk factors and cataract surgery complications, and builds a model predicting outcomes on an individual level, given a constellation of patient characteristics.This study utilized a retrospective cohort of patients age 40 years or older who received cataract surgery. Risk factors, complications, and demographic information were extracted from the Electronic Health Record based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition codes, Current Procedural Terminology codes, drug prescription information, and text data mining. We used a bootstrapped least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model to identify highly associated variables. We built random forest classifiers for each complication to create predictive models.Our data corroborated existing literature, including the association of intraoperative complications, complex cataract surgery, black race, and/or prior eye surgery with increased risk of any postoperative complications. We also found other, less well-described risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, young age (<60 years), and hyperopia, as risk factors for complex cataract surgery and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Our predictive models outperformed existing published models.The aggregated risk factors and complications described here can guide new avenues of research and provide specific, personalized risk assessment for a patient considering cataract surgery. Furthermore, the predictive capacity of our models can enable risk stratification of patients, which has utility as a teaching tool as well as informing quality/value-based reimbursements.

  View details for DOI 10.5301/ejo.5000706

  View details for PubMedID 26692059

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4930873

• Physician Utilization Patterns for VEGF-Inhibitor Drugs in the 2012 United States Medicare Population: Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab, and Aflibercept OPHTHALMIC SURGERY LASERS & IMAGING RETINA Baisiwala, S., Bundorf, M. K., Pershing, S. 2016; 47 (6): 555-562

  Abstract

  To evaluate variation in physician use of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors.Population-based analysis of comprehensive, publicly available 2012 Medicare claims, aggregated by physician specialty and service type - including intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA), ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genetech, South San Francisco, CA), and aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron, Tarrytown, NY). Physicians were characterized by total patients treated, proportion treated with each drug, total intravitreal injection payments, and proportion of total payments for each drug.The authors identified 2,869 ophthalmologists. On average, each treated 203 patients with VEGF-inhibitors, 75.9% of which were treated with bevacizumab. Using all three agents was the most common practice (1,121 physicians), closely followed by using bevacizumab only (1,061 physicians). Ranibizumab accounted for most payments, but bevacizumab was the largest payment source for a sizeable proportion of physicians who used only/mostly bevacizumab.Most ophthalmologists use multiple VEGF inhibitors, but vary in their relative use. A subset of ophthalmologists predominantly use ranibizumab, but ophthalmologists overall use more bevacizumab despite financial incentives favoring ranibizumab. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:555-562.].

  View details for DOI 10.3928/23258160-20160601-07

  View details for Web of Science ID 000393095900008

  View details for PubMedID 27327285

• Supply and Perceived Demand for Teleophthalmology in Triage and Consultations in California Emergency Departments JAMA OPHTHALMOLOGY Wedekind, L., Sainani, K., Pershing, S. 2016; 134 (5): 537-543

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2016.0316

  View details for Web of Science ID 000375796100016

• Supply and Perceived Demand for Teleophthalmology in Triage and Consultations in California Emergency Departments. JAMA ophthalmology Wedekind, L., Sainani, K., Pershing, S. 2016

  Abstract

  Determining the perceived supply and potential demand for teleophthalmology in emergency departments could help mitigate coverage gaps in emergency ophthalmic care.To evaluate the perceived current need for and availability of ophthalmologist coverage in California emergency departments and the potential effect of telemedicine for ophthalmology triage and consultation.Surveys were remotely administered to 187 of the 254 emergency departments throughout California via the telephone and Internet from June 30 to September 23, 2014. Emergency department nurse managers and physicians from all emergency departments listed in the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database were individually surveyed to assess facility characteristics and resources as well as the perceived usefulness of teleophthalmology consultation. Data analysis was conducted from June 30, 2014, to March 11, 2015.Perceived availability of ophthalmology consultation coverage and perceived effect of telemedicine ophthalmology consultation at each facility.Of the 187 emergency departments surveyed, 18 of 37 rural facilities (48.6%) reported availability of emergency ophthalmology coverage, compared with 112 of 150 nonrural facilities (74.7%). Rural facilities reported a mean (SD) of 23.72 (14.15) miles between the facility and referral location, while nonrural facilities reported a mean of 4.41 (10.23) miles (19.3% difference). On a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 signifies very low value and 5 signifies very high value), 124 of 187 nurse managers (66.3%) and 80 of 121 physicians (66.1%) rated teleophthalmology as having high or very high value for triage purposes. The most frequently cited potential advantage of emergency teleophthalmology was assistance in patient triage and immediate real-time electronic communication, and the most frequently cited potential disadvantages were unknown cost of contracting and maintenance and concern that eye trauma might make photographs or videos less conclusive.Availability of ophthalmology coverage for emergency eye care is limited, particularly among rural emergency departments in California. Surveyed emergency department nurse managers and physicians indicated moderately high interest and perceived value for a teleophthalmology solution for remote triage and consultation. Overall, the study suggests that teleophthalmology could play a role in mitigating coverage gaps in emergency ophthalmic care and could be further investigated through similar studies in other regions.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2016.0316

  View details for PubMedID 27010537

• A Proposed Minimum Standard Set of Outcome Measures for Cataract Surgery. JAMA ophthalmology Mahmud, I., Kelley, T., Stowell, C., Haripriya, A., Boman, A., Kossler, I., Morlet, N., Pershing, S., Pesudovs, K., Goh, P. P., Sparrow, J. M., Lundström, M. 2015; 133 (11): 1247-1252

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2015.2810

  View details for PubMedID 26291752

• Risk factors predictive of endogenous endophthalmitis among hospitalized patients with hematogenous infections in the united states. American journal of ophthalmology Vaziri, K., Pershing, S., Albini, T. A., Moshfeghi, D. M., Moshfeghi, A. A. 2015; 159 (3): 498-504

  Abstract

  To identify potential risk factors associated with endogenous endophthalmitis among hospitalized patients with hematogenous infections.Retrospective cross-sectional study.MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters, and Medicare Supplemental and Coordination of Benefit inpatient databases from the years 2007-2011 were obtained. Utilizing ICD-9 codes, logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors/comorbidities for developing endophthalmitis in patients with hematogenous infections.Among inpatients with hematogenous infections, the overall incidence rate of presumed endogenous endophthalmitis was 0.05%-0.4% among patients with fungemia and 0.04% among patients with bacteremia. Comorbid human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (OR = 4.27; CI, 1.55-11.8; P = .005), tuberculosis (OR = 8.5; CI, 1.2-61.5; P = .03), endocarditis (OR = 8.3; CI, 4.9-13.9; P < .0001), bacterial meningitis (OR = 3.8; CI, 1.2-12.0; P = .023), fungal meningitis (OR = 59.1; CI, 14.1-247.8; P < .0001), internal organ abscess (OR = 2.9; CI, 1.2-6.4; P = .02), lymphoma/leukemia (OR = 2.9; CI, 1.6-5.3; P < .0001), skin abscess/cellulitis (OR = 1.75; CI, 1.1-2.8; P = .02), pyogenic arthritis (OR = 4.2; CI, 1.8-9.6; P = .001), diabetes with ophthalmic manifestations (OR = 7.0; CI, 1.7-28.3; P = .006), and urinary tract infection (OR = 0.04; CI, 0.3-0.9; P = .023) were each significantly associated with a diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis. Patients aged 0-17 years (OR = 2.61; CI, 1.2-5.7; P = .02), 45-54 years (OR = 3.4; CI, 2.0-5.4; P < .0001), and 55-64 years (OR = 2.9; CI, 1.8-4.8; P < .0001); those having length of stay of 3-10 days (OR = 1.9; CI, 1.1-3.3; P = .01), 11-30 days (OR = 3.1; CI, 1.8-5.5; P < .0001), and 31+ days (OR = 5.3; CI, 2.7-10.4; P < .0001); and those with intensive care unit/neonatal intensive care unit (ICU/NICU) admissions (OR = 1.5; CI, 1.4-1.6; P < .0001) were all more likely to be diagnosed with endogenous endophthalmitis.Endogenous endophthalmitis is rare among hospitalized patients in the United States. Among patients with hematogenous infections, odds of endogenous endophthalmitis were higher for children and middle-aged patients, and for patients with endocarditis, bacterial meningitis, lymphoma/leukemia, HIV/AIDS, internal organ abscess, diabetes with ophthalmic manifestations, skin cellulitis/abscess, pyogenic arthritis, tuberculosis, longer hospital stays, and/or ICU/NICU admission.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2014.11.032

  View details for PubMedID 25486541

• Treating age-related macular degeneration: comparing the use of two drugs among medicare and veterans affairs populations. Health affairs Pershing, S., Pal Chee, C., Asch, S. M., Baker, L. C., Boothroyd, D., Wagner, T. H., Bundorf, M. K. 2015; 34 (2): 229-238

  Abstract

  While new biologics have revolutionized the treatment of age-related macular degeneration-the leading cause of severe vision loss among older adults-these new drugs have also raised concerns over the economic impact of medical innovation. The two leading agents are similar in effectiveness but vary greatly in price-up to $2,000 per injection for ranibizumab compared to $50 for bevacizumab. We examined the diffusion of these drugs in fee-for-service Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) systems during 2005-11, in part to assess the impact that differing financial incentives had on prescribing. Physicians treating Medicare patients have a direct financial incentive to prescribe the more expensive agent (ranibizumab), while VA physicians do not. Medicare injections of the more expensive ranibizumab peaked in 2007 at 47 percent. Beginning in 2009 the less expensive bevacizumab became the predominant therapy for Medicare patients, accounting for more than 60 percent of injections. For VA patients, the distribution of injections across the two drugs was relatively equal, particularly from 2009 to 2011. Our analysis indicates that there are opportunities in both the VA and Medicare to adopt more value-conscious treatment patterns and that multiple mechanisms exist to influence utilization.

  View details for DOI 10.1377/hlthaff.2014.1032

  View details for PubMedID 25646102

• Treating age-related macular degeneration: comparing the use of two drugs among medicare and veterans affairs populations. Health affairs Pershing, S., Pal Chee, C., Asch, S. M., Baker, L. C., Boothroyd, D., Wagner, T. H., Bundorf, M. K. 2015; 34 (2): 229-238

  View details for DOI 10.1377/hlthaff.2014.1032

  View details for PubMedID 25646102

• Cost-Effectiveness of Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE Pershing, S., Enns, E. A., Matesic, B., Owens, D. K., Goldhaber-Fiebert, J. D. 2014; 160 (1): 18-?

  Abstract

  Macular edema is the most common cause of vision loss among patients with diabetes.To determine the cost-effectiveness of different treatments of diabetic macular edema (DME).Markov model.Published literature and expert opinion.Patients with clinically significant DME.Lifetime.Societal.Laser treatment, intraocular injections of triamcinolone or a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, or a combination of both.Discounted costs, gains in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs).All treatments except laser monotherapy substantially reduced costs, and all treatments except triamcinolone monotherapy increased QALYs. Laser treatment plus a VEGF inhibitor achieved the greatest benefit, gaining 0.56 QALYs at a cost of $6975 for an ICER of $12 410 per QALY compared with laser treatment plus triamcinolone. Monotherapy with a VEGF inhibitor achieved similar outcomes to combination therapy with laser treatment plus a VEGF inhibitor. Laser monotherapy and triamcinolone monotherapy were less effective and more costly than combination therapy.VEGF inhibitor monotherapy was sometimes preferred over laser treatment plus a VEGF inhibitor, depending on the reduction in quality of life with loss of visual acuity. When the VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab was as effective as ranibizumab, it was preferable because of its lower cost.Long-term outcome data for treated and untreated diseases are limited.The most effective treatment of DME is VEGF inhibitor injections with or without laser treatment. This therapy compares favorably with cost-effective interventions for other conditions.Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000330249700003

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4020006

• Restructuring medical education to meet current and future health care needs. Academic medicine Pershing, S., Fuchs, V. R. 2013; 88 (12): 1798-1801

  Abstract

  U.S. health care is changing, and it will continue to change across multiple dimensions: a different mix of patients; more ambulatory, chronic care and less acute, inpatient care; an older population; expanded insurance coverage; a team approach to care; rapid growth of subspecialty care; growing emphasis on cost-effective care; and rapid technological change. These changes demand a corresponding evolution in physician roles and training. However, despite innovation in content and teaching methods, there has been little alteration to the basic structure of medical education since the Flexner Report sparked widespread reform in 1910. Looking to the future, medical education might evolve to include preparation for a team approach to care via practical training for multispecialty collaborative practice and preparing physicians to be leaders of primary care teams that include nonphysician providers; shorter training for some physicians via flexible pathways and "fast tracks" at each phase of training; cost-effective care in clinical practice; increased training in geriatrics; and "on ramps" and "off ramps" along the physician career path for flexible training over a lifetime. Although the challenges facing the health care system are great, meeting changing health care needs must begin at the foundation, in medical education.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000000020

  View details for PubMedID 24128642

• Phacoemulsification versus extracapsular cataract extraction: where do we stand? CURRENT OPINION IN OPHTHALMOLOGY Pershing, S., Kumar, A. 2011; 22 (1): 37-42

  Abstract

  Cataract surgery at present is divisible into two general techniques: manual extracapsular cataract extraction and phacoemulsification--with ECCE further separated into the traditional form and small-incision cataract surgery. This review will discuss updates in surgical techniques, outcome comparisons, cost analysis, and the continued role of extracapsular cataract extraction in Western countries.Surgical techniques for manual extracapsular cataract extraction have undergone much refinement, with numerous descriptions of techniques in a recent literature. Studies that have emerged in the last several years allow us to compare surgical results between different techniques and suggest that there is little difference in final outcome when each surgery is done well. Overall cost-effectiveness and suitability of each technique vary based on location and facilities.Manual extracapsular cataract extraction (especially small-incision versions) occupies an important place in modern cataract surgery, and, while not a replacement for phacoemulsification in Western countries, should be part of a cataract surgeon's overall skill set.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ICU.0b013e3283414fb3

  View details for Web of Science ID 000285135500009

  View details for PubMedID 21088578

• Trends in Hospitalization and Incidence Rate for Syphilitic Uveitis in the United States from 1998-2009. American journal of ophthalmology Albini, T., Callaway, N. F., Pershing, S., Wang, S. K., Moshfeghi, A. A., Moshfeghi, D. M. 2017

  Abstract

  This study evaluates the annual incidence of syphilitic uveitis in the US and trends in hospital admissions over time.Retrospective, longitudinal incidence rate analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 1998 to 2009.The NIS is a de-identified, random sample dataset of inpatient hospitalizations from 46 states. The number of cases of syphilitic uveitis was defined by (1) International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) code for syphilis and uveitis or (2) ICD-9 code for syphilitic uveitis. Annual case count, incidence rate, and trend over time were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associated factors for a syphilitic uveitis diagnosis.The study included 455 310 286 hospitalizations during a 12-year study period with a mean of 37 942 524 patients annually. Syphilis and uveitis was recorded for 1861 patients (155 annually) and syphilitic uveitis was diagnosed in 204 subjects (average of 17 cases annually). There was no change in the incidence of syphilitic uveitis, using either definition, over the study period (P for trend = .46). The mean annual incidence of syphilis and uveitis was 0.0004%, or 4 per million. Syphilitic uveitis had an annual incidence of 0.000045%, or 0.45 per million. The odds of syphilitic uveitis were lower among women (odds ratio [OR] 0.40, CI 0.28-0.57) and increased with comorbid acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (OR 4.52, CI 3.01-6.79).We report the first incidence of syphilitic uveitis in the United States. Fortunately, this remains a rare condition. The results demonstrate no change in the number of inpatient admissions for syphilitic uveitis during the study period.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2017.05.013

  View details for PubMedID 28549847

• Reply: To PMID 25486541. American journal of ophthalmology Pershing, S., Vaziri, K., Albini, T. A., Moshfeghi, D. M., Moshfeghi, A. A. 2015; 160 (2): 392-?

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajo.2015.04.037

  View details for PubMedID 26187878

• Clinical-Pathologic Correlation: Vitrectomy With Epiretinal and Internal Limiting Membrane Peel OPHTHALMIC SURGERY LASERS & IMAGING RETINA Demarchis, E. H., Pershing, S., Moshfeghi, D. M. 2014; 45 (3): 218-221

  Abstract

  To correlate clinical and pathologic findings in vitreoretinal surgeries with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peels.A retrospective review of the clinical and pathologic reports for 698 vitrectomy specimens involving ERM and/or ILM peels from 2008 to 2012.Labeling with clear operative clinical diagnoses - ERM, ILM or both - was available for 520 of 698 cases; 492 cases had a corresponding pathology result. Combined ERM-ILM specimens were the dominant clinical and pathologic diagnosis. Over 43% had differing operative and pathologic diagnoses, with 79.6% of cases labeled as ERMs, 75.0% of cases labeled as ILMs, and 22.1% cases labeled as ERM-ILM demonstrating incongruous specimens on pathology.It can be difficult to determine the nature of membranes pre- or intraoperatively. Combined ERM-ILM specimens may be more common than previously recognized, implying that the two membranes are not always distinct and surgically separable. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2014;45:218-221.].

  View details for DOI 10.3928/23258160-20140411-01

  View details for Web of Science ID 000338322300006

• Ocular hypertension and intraocular pressure asymmetry after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents. Ophthalmic surgery, lasers & imaging retina Pershing, S., Bakri, S. J., Moshfeghi, D. M. 2013; 44 (5): 460-464

  Abstract

  To evaluate elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal injections of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors and contribute toward the recognition and understanding of its mechanisms, pattern, and treatment.Retrospective case series of VEGF-inhibitor injections at two academic centers (Stanford University and Mayo Clinic) over 4 years. Cases were evaluated for IOP elevation (≥ 24 mm Hg) or asymmetry (≥ 3 mm Hg IOP difference between eyes on three visits).Twenty-one eyes were identified with pathologically elevated IOP after treatment. Most had delayed-onset (average: 15 months after treatment, after 10 injections) elevation. IOP-lowering therapy was required in 81%. More consecutive visits with IOP asymmetry occurred in patients developing ocular hypertension (11.1% pre-diagnosis vs 66.7% post-diagnosis; OR = 9.00, P = .003).Elevated IOP may occur after ranibizumab or bevacizumab injections, often exhibiting a delayed and perhaps cumulative effect. The authors found significant bilateral IOP asymmetry in patients developing unilateral glaucoma after VEGF-inhibitor injections, a potential early indicator or proxy for pathologic IOP elevation. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2013;44:460-464.].

  View details for DOI 10.3928/23258160-20130909-07

  View details for PubMedID 24044708

• Trends in ophthalmic manifestations of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a northern California pediatric population 40th Annual Fall Meeting of the American-Society-of-Ophthalmic-Plastic-and-Reconstructive-Surgery Amato, M., Pershing, S., Walvick, M., Tanaka, S. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2013: 243–47

  Abstract

  To determine pediatric clinical trends of ocular and periocular methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a large northern California healthcare system.This study was a retrospective cross-sectional review of all pediatric cases (aged 0-18) with culture-positive ophthalmic MRSA isolates identified between January 2002 and December 2009. Medical record review included history, presentation, infection site, acquisition (community or nosocomial), antibiotic sensitivity/resistance, treatment, and clinical outcome. Incidence was classified by year, sex, and age. Parameters were analyzed for statistical significance by trend and χ(2) analysis.A total of 399 ocular and periocular MRSA cases were included. Cases trended upward from 2002 to 2009, peaking in 2006. Of the 137 pediatric cases (0-18 years), 58% were community acquired. Conjunctivitis was the predominant presentation (40%), followed by stye/chalazion (25%), orbital cellulitis/abscess (19%), dacryocystitis (11%) and brow abscess (3%). Significant predictors for ocular infection with MRSA included male sex (61%), neonates (38%), and multiple infection sites on the body (38%). Resistance was high to bacitracin (80.9%) and ofloxacin (48.3%) but remained low for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (8.7%). Topical therapy was effective in 29% of cases; oral antibiotics, in 47%. Intravenous therapy was required in 12% of cases and incision/drainage or surgery in 19%. Initial oral antibiotic treatment, primarily cephalosporins (24%), was ineffective in 37% of patients. There was a significant increase in resistance to antibiotic therapy (P < 0.001) during the study period. No patients developed permanent visual impairment.Pediatric ocular and periocular MRSA is increasing in incidence and resistance in our patient population. Outcomes can be improved by early recognition, proper antibiotic selection, and obtaining cultures and sensitivities when resistant or severe ocular infections are present.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaapos.2012.12.151

  View details for Web of Science ID 000321224900004

  View details for PubMedID 23623773

• The importance of keeping a broad differential in retina clinic: the spectrum of ophthalmic disease seen by retina specialists in a tertiary outpatient clinic setting. Ophthalmic surgery, lasers & imaging retina Fijalkowski, N., Pershing, S., Moshfeghi, D. M. 2013; 44 (2): 133-139

  Abstract

  To describe the new patient population referred to retina specialists at tertiary ophthalmic academic centers in the United States.Retrospective chart review of all new patients seen by retina specialists at Stanford University from 2008 to 2011.Retina specialists saw 7,197 new patients during the study period, with a mean age of 52.2 ± 25.6 years (range: 0 to 108 years). Younger patients (0 to 10 years) were more likely male (P < .001) while older patients were more likely female (P < .01 for 61 to 70, 81+ years). The most common diagnoses were diabetic eye disease (17.0%), retinopathy of prematurity (9.9%) and age-related macular degeneration (9.5%).Retina specialists treat patients of all ages, and the most common diagnoses vary with age and gender. Patients present to retinal clinic with a vast spectrum of disease from various ophthalmic and systemic etiologies; therefore, it is important to maintain a broad differential diagnosis.

  View details for DOI 10.3928/23258160-20130313-06

  View details for PubMedID 23510039

• Cytomegalovirus Infection with MRI Signal Abnormalities Affecting the Optic Nerves, Optic Chiasm, and Optic Tracts JOURNAL OF NEURO-OPHTHALMOLOGY Pershing, S., Dunn, J., Khan, A., Liao, Y. J. 2009; 29 (3): 223-226

  Abstract

  A 49-year-old woman who had been immunosuppressed after a renal transplant developed bilateral severe visual loss. Visual acuities were finger counting and hand movements in the two eyes. Both optic nerves were pale. There were no other ophthalmic abnormalities. Brain MRI disclosed marked signal abnormalities involving the optic nerves, optic chiasm, and optic tracts. Cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for cytomegalovirus. Treatment did not restore vision. Such extensive clinical and imaging involvement of the anterior visual pathway, which has been previously reported with other herpes viruses, illustrates the propensity for this family of viruses to track along axons.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000270048700011

  View details for PubMedID 19726946

• Comparison of anterior vitrectorhexis and continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis in pediatric cataract and intraocular lens implantation. surgery: A 10-year analysis JOURNAL OF AAPOS Wilson, M. E., Trivedi, R. H., Bartholomew, L. R., Pershing, S. 2007; 11 (5): 443-446

  Abstract

  To analyze the rate of inadvertent anterior lens capsular tears with vitrectorhexis or continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) in pediatric cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation surgery between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2006.Retrospective chart review, collecting for each eye: age at cataract surgery, type of anterior capsulotomy, any tearing of the capsule, and if yes, details of the tear.A total of 737 eyes were reviewed. Cases with a ruptured lens capsule that occurred prior to surgery were excluded. Eyes that received an anterior capsulotomy by any other method (n = 27) or eyes that did not receive an IOL (n = 100) were reviewed but excluded from final comparative analysis. Of the remaining 339 eyes, 19 eyes (5.6%) were noted to develop an anterior capsule tear (vitrectorhexis, 12 of 226 eyes, 5.3%; CCC, 7 of 113, 6.2%). These tears occurred during anterior capsulotomy in seven eyes, hydrodissection in one, cataract removal in three, and IOL insertion/manipulation in eight. In eyes operated for cataract at or before 72 months of age, the manual CCC technique was more likely to develop a tear (relative risk, 3.09) compared with eyes of older children (>72 months of age), where the vitrectorhexis technique was more likely to develop a tear (relative risk, 3.14).Vitrectorhexis is well suited for use in children less than 6 years of age due to their highly elastic anterior lens capsule. For children aged 6 years and older, manual CCC is the best technique because, by that age, capsule control and ease of capsulotomy completion has improved.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaapos.2007.03.012

  View details for Web of Science ID 000250386400006

  View details for PubMedID 17532240