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Paricalcitol reduced pancreatic oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and improved glycemic status in diabetic rats.

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Purpose To compare the visual, refractive and topographic outcomes of standard and accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in pediatric keratoconus patients. Methods Prospective, comparative observational study on 68 eyes of 35 pediatric keratoconus patients (<18 years). Patients were classified into two groups, group (I) included 34 eyes and received standard “Epi-Off” CXL (3 mW/cm 2 , 30 min.) and group (II) included 34 eyes and received accelerated “Epi-Off” CXL (9 mW/cm 2 , 10 min.). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), simulated keratometry (Sim K-1, Sim K-2, K-max, K-mean), cylindrical (CYL), pachymetry and Q-value were evaluated preoperatively and for 3 years postoperatively. Results Postoperative UDVA and CDVA did not significantly change in both groups after 3 years. Postoperative SE was increased significantly in accelerated CXL (p=0.012) with no significant change in the postoperative cylinder in both procedures. Standard CXL had greater “significant” effect in decreasing Sim K-1, K-max and K-mean. The mean reduction in postoperative corneal pachymetry (at thinnest location) was significant in standard CXL (18.4 μm) (p=0.001). No significant change was noticed in postoperative Q-value. Conclusion Standard and accelerated CXL protocols are efficient in pediatric keratoconus management with better outcomes in the standard procedure.