PurposeTo determine the characteristics of the photoreceptor abnormalities in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and cone–rod dystrophy (CRD).MethodsWe evaluated the photoreceptor abnormalities using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in 28 patients with RP and 17 patients with CRD. The OCT images and full-field electroretinograms were obtained from 21 eyes in normal subjects who were age-matched to patients with RP and CRD and served as controls.ResultsEyes with RP and CRD had markedly decreased rod responses (6.5 and 57.5 % of normal value), maximal responses (9.6 and 51.6 %), cone (16.5 and 25.8 %), and 30-Hz flicker responses (17.8 and 30.1 % of normal value), and their P values were smaller than 0.0003. On comparison of ERG data between RP and CRD, they had statistically significant differences in rod responses (P < 0.0003) and maximal responses (P < 0.0003). However, there were no statistical differences in cone response and a weak difference in 30-Hz flicker responses (P < 0.017). The best-corrected visual acuity was −0.03 ± 0.09 (logMAR, mean ± standard deviation [SD]) in eyes with RP, but 0.57 ± 0.54 in eyes with CRD. SD-OCT showed that eyes with RP had an intact reflective line at the junction between the photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) at the fovea, while eyes with CRD had no IS/OS. The extent of the central visual field was correlated with the IS/OS length at the macula in eyes with RP.ConclusionThe distribution patterns of the IS/OS line help to differentiate between RP and CRD.

Background While breastfeeding provides benefits for infants and the mother, many women either do not breastfeed or terminate breastfeeding earlier than recommended. The aim of this analysis was to identify factors associated with early discontinuation of breastfeeding in Japanese women. Methods This study used data from medical records of women delivering a singleton live birth between March 2017 and August 2019 in Iwase General Hospital, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan to assess cessation of breastfeeding by the 1-month postpartum appointment. Demographic (age at birth, and employment status), medical (parity, and physical and mental condition of the mother; and infant medical factors, such as sex, Apgar score, and jaundice, among other), and family factors (husband/partner, family members living at the same house, among others) in 734 women who had initiated breastfeeding during their delivery hospital stay were examined, and multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Results Bivariate analysis revealed that women who were primipara, unmarried, exposed to secondhand smoke, and employed; those who smoked before pregnancy; and those who had asthma were more likely to discontinue exclusive breastfeeding than other women. Infant factors associated with discontinuation were lower birthweight, earlier gestational age, neonatal intensive care unit admission, treatment for jaundice, or lower weight gain. Multivariable analysis revealed that primiparity, passive smoking before pregnancy, maternal employment, and neonatal jaundice therapy were associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding. Conclusions In particular, women whose partners smoked before pregnancy may need to be targeted for additional support for breastfeeding.

Background: While breastfeeding provides both optimal nutrition for infants and health benefits for the mother, many women either do not breastfeed or terminate breastfeeding earlier than recommended. The aim of this analysis was to identify factors associated with early discontinuation of breastfeeding in Japanese women.Methods: This study utilized medical records from the Iwase General Hospital in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan to assess cessation of breastfeeding by the 1-month postpartum appointment. Demographic, medical, and family predictors among 734 women who had initiated breastfeeding during their delivery hospital stay were examined, and multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding.Results: In a bivariate analysis, it was observed that women who were primipara, unmarried, smoked before pregnancy, were exposed to secondhand smoke, employed, and/or had asthma were more likely to discontinue exclusive breastfeeding. Infant factors associated with discontinuation were lower birthweight, earlier gestational age, neonatal intensive care unit admission, treatment for jaundice, or lower weight gain. In multivariable analysis, primiparity, smoking before pregnancy, maternal employment and neonatal jaundice therapy remained associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding.Conclusions: Several maternal factors are associated with discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. In particular, women who smoke before pregnancy may need to be targeted for additional support for breastfeeding.