Maria Ludovica Ruggeri

Dr. Maria Ludovica Ruggeri

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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MSMatteo Sacchi
Matteo Sacchi
DTDavide Tomaselli
Davide Tomaselli
Maria Ludovica RuggeriMaria Ludovica Ruggeri
Maria Ludovica Ruggeri
FAFrancesca Bianca Aiello
Francesca Bianca Aiello
PSPierfilippo Sabella
Pierfilippo Sabella
LALuca Agnifili
Luca Agnifili
Filtration bleb (FB) fibrosis represents the primary risk factor for glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) failure. We reviewed the most recent literature on post-GFS fibrosis in humans, focusing on novel molecular pathways and antifibrotic treatments. Three main literature searches were conducted. First, we performed a narrative review of two models of extra-ocular fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and skin fibrosis, to improve the comprehension of ocular fibrosis. Second, we conducted a systematic review of failed FB features in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Selected studies were screened based on the functional state and morphological features of FB. Third, we carried out a narrative review of novel potential antifibrotic molecules. In the systematic review, 11 studies met the criteria for analysis. Immunohistochemistry and genomics deemed SPARC and transglutaminases to be important for tissue remodeling and attributed pivotal roles to TGFβ and M2c macrophages in promoting FB fibrosis. Four major mechanisms were identified in the FB failure process: inflammation, fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast conversion, vascularization, and tissue remodeling. On this basis, an updated model of FB fibrosis was described. Among the pharmacological options, particular attention was given to nintedanib, pirfenidone, and rapamycin, which are used in skin and pulmonary fibrosis, since their promising effects are demonstrated in experimental models of FB fibrosis. Based on the most recent literature, modern patho-physiological models of FB fibrosis should consider TGFβ and M2c macrophages as pivotal players and favorite targets for therapy, while research on antifibrotic strategies should clinically investigate medications utilized in the management of extra-ocular fibrosis.


1 February 2023 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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LISA TOTOLISA TOTO
LISA TOTO
Maria Ludovica RuggeriMaria Ludovica Ruggeri
Maria Ludovica Ruggeri
FEFederica Evangelista
Federica Evangelista
CTChiara Trivigno
Chiara Trivigno
Rossella D'AloisioRossella D'Aloisio
Rossella D'Aloisio
Rodolfo MastropasquaRodolfo Mastropasqua
Rodolfo Mastropasqua
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) parameters in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and macular neovascularization (MNV) type 1, type 2, and type 3. Methods: In this retrospective study, 105 treatment-naïve eyes of 105 patients (60 men and 45 women) with a definite diagnosis of active nAMD and MNV of different types and 105 frequency-matched age and gender healthy subjects were evaluated (61 men and 44 women). All subjects underwent a full ophthalmic examination and multimodal imaging assessment, including spectral domain (SD) OCT and OCTA. The main outcome measures were choroidal vascularity index (CVI), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), central macular thickness (CMT), and outer retina to choriocapillaris (ORCC) MNV flow area (ORCCFA). Results: Significant differences were found in terms of CVI, CMT, and ORCCFA between MNV 1 and the two other groups. CVI was significantly different between MNV 1 and healthy control patients (p < 0.001) and between MNV 1 and MNV 2 (p < 0.001). ORCCFA and CMT were significantly different between MNV1 and MNV2 (p < 0.005). The difference in subfoveal CT between the three groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.458). A significant negative correlation was found between CVI and ORCCFA. Furthermore, CVI showed a positive correlation with subfoveal CT.

11 April 2025 in Ophthalmology and Therapy
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RMRodolfo Mastropasqua
Rodolfo Mastropasqua
Maria Ludovica RuggeriMaria Ludovica Ruggeri
Maria Ludovica Ruggeri
AQAlberto Quarta
Alberto Quarta
RTRuggero Tartaro
Ruggero Tartaro
LVLuca Vecchiarino
Luca Vecchiarino
LMLeonardo Mastropasqua
Leonardo Mastropasqua
Introduction In this work, we aimed to explore the applicability of a mixed reality headset (MRH) in intraocular surgery and its potential benefits as an innovative telementoring model of surgical teaching. Methods A total of nine surgeries were performed. All surgeries were planned and performed with the aid of the Apple Vision Pro (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) MRH integrated with multimodal imaging technology to provide a dynamic, detailed, real-time, all-in-one three-dimensional (3D) live visualization of surgical cases. A live connection between surgeons enabled real-time sharing of the surgical field. Feedback from surgeons and fellows, along with their satisfaction levels, was recorded to assess the applicability of this approach in intraocular surgery and surgical education. Results The integrated system proved to be an efficient all-in-one solution, demonstrating efficacy in surgical planning and keeping the surgeon informed throughout the procedure (> 8). No signal delay nor additional complications were detected in the real-time video feed, which allowed for uninterrupted guidance throughout the procedure. Both surgeons and fellows showed overall satisfaction and interest in the new model (> 8), appreciating the advantages in terms of knowledge gap filling, future perspective in surgical telementoring, and the possibility of application in surgical training. Conclusions Introducing an MRH in intraocular surgery provides an innovative and immersive visualization, leading to significant benefits in telementoring. This advancement opens new educational opportunities and could be a game-changer in the training of future ophthalmic surgeons.

1 May 2023 in Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
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LMLeonardo Mastropasqua
Leonardo Mastropasqua
EPEmilio Pedrotti
Emilio Pedrotti
Maria Ludovica RuggeriMaria Ludovica Ruggeri
Maria Ludovica Ruggeri
LVLuca Vecchiarino
Luca Vecchiarino
EBErika Bonacci
Erika Bonacci
GMGiorgio MD Marchini
Giorgio MD Marchini
Purpose: To evaluate visual performance and quality of life after bilateral implantation of 2 extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses (EDOF IOLs). Setting: Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, University “G. d'Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Italy, and Ophthalmic Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy. Design: Prospective clinical study. Methods: 60 eyes of 30 patients with senile cataract were enrolled in this study. Patients underwent phacoemulsification and bilateral implantation of the Mini WELL IOL in the dominant eye and the Mini WELL PROXA IOL in the nondominant eye within a month. The main outcome measures over a 3-month follow-up period were uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at different distances (33 cm, 60 cm, and 4 m), defocus curve, contrast sensitivity, and patient satisfaction (evaluated by mean of the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality-of-Life instrument-42 questionnaire). Results: Binocular uncorrected visual acuity at 90 days was 0.03 ± 0.11 logMAR for long distance, 0.05 ± 0.10 logMAR for intermediate distance, 0.03 ± 0.08 logMAR at 40 cm, and 0.06 ± 0.08 logMAR at 33 cm. Statistically significant differences between the 2 EDOF IOLs in favor of Mini WELL PROXA IOL were observed for uncorrected near visual acuity at 40 and 33 cm (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively) and for distance-corrected near visual acuity at 40 cm (P < .001). Significant differences between the 2 IOLs in the defocus curves were reported. Conclusions: In this small pilot study, bilateral implantation of Mini WELL IOL and Mini WELL PROXA IOL achieved good quantity and quality of vision.

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LALuca Agnifili
Luca Agnifili
APAndrea Palamini
Andrea Palamini
LBLorenza Brescia
Lorenza Brescia
APAnnamaria Porreca
Annamaria Porreca
Francesco OddoneFrancesco Oddone
Francesco Oddone
LMLeonardo Mastropasqua
Leonardo Mastropasqua
To analyze in vivo scleral changes induced by MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy (MP-TLT) in refractory glaucoma using anterior segment–optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Forty-two candidate patients for MP-TLT were consecutively enrolled and underwent AS-OCT at baseline and after six months. MP-TLT success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction by one-third. The main outcome measures were the mean superior (S-), inferior (I-), and total (T-) intra-scleral hypo-reflective space area (MISHA: mm2) and scleral reflectivity (S-SR, I-SR, T-SR; arbitrary scale) as in vivo biomarkers of uveoscleral aqueous humor (AH) outflow. The IOP was the secondary outcome. The relations between the baseline-to-six months differences (D) of DS-MISHA, DI-MISHA, and DT-MISHA and DS-SR, DI-SR, DT-SR, and DIOP, were investigated. At 6 months, the median IOP reduction was 21% in the failures and 38% in the successes. The baseline S-MISHA, I-MISHA, and T-MISHA did not differ between the groups, while S-SR and T-SR were higher in the successes (p < 0.05). At six months, successful and failed MP-TLTs showed a 50% increase in S-MISHA (p < 0.001; p = 0.037), whereas I-SR and T-SR reduced only in the successes (p = 0.002; p = 0.001). When comparing DS-MISHA, DI-MISHA, and DT-MISHA and DS-SR, DI-SR, and DT-SR, there were no significant differences between the groups. In the successful procedures, DIOP was positively correlated with DT-MISHA and DI-MISHA (ρ = 0.438 and ρ = 0.490; p < 0.05). MP-TLT produced potentially advantageous modifications of the sclera in refractory glaucoma. Given the partial correlation between these modifications and post-treatment IOP reduction, our study confirmed that the activation of the uveoscleral AH outflow route could significantly contribute to the IOP lowering after MP-TLT.