Catarina Pestana Aguiar

Dr. Catarina Pestana Aguiar

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Jeniffer Domingues JesusJeniffer Domingues Jesus
Jeniffer Domingues Jesus
CACatarina Pestana Aguiar
Catarina Pestana Aguiar
DMDália Meira
Dália Meira
IRIgnacio Rodriguez-Una
Ignacio Rodriguez-Una
JBJoão Beirão
João Beirão
Background/Objectives: In 2010, approximately 60.5 million people were affected by glaucoma, making it the leading cause of permanent vision impairment globally. With the rise of telehealth tools and technological advancements in glaucoma care, this review aims to provide an up-to-date analysis regarding remote monitoring systems in glaucoma management. Methods: A systematic literature search (in compliance with PRISMA guidelines) was conducted across six databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) and one grey literature source (Google Scholar), covering the period from 2000 to 2024. Relevant studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria were identified and analyzed. Results: The search identified 21 eligible studies focusing on various glaucoma telemonitoring tools. Several studies demonstrated the potential for continuous remote intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring and highlighted the effectiveness of home-based visual field-testing technologies (e.g., Melbourne Rapid Fields, Eyecatcher, and VF-Home), which showed results closely matching in-clinic tests. All 21 studies underwent risk of bias assessment with appropriate tools based on study design, and none showed a high overall risk of bias, indicating robust methodology. Conclusions: Glaucoma telemonitoring tools are feasible and cost-effective, helping to reduce patient travel and waiting times and improving patient satisfaction. However, periodic in-person examinations remain necessary to optimally monitor disease progression and adjust treatments. Future directions should focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of advanced algorithms (including artificial intelligence) to further enhance patient outcomes in teleglaucoma care.

18 March 2025 in AJO International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
CACatarina Pestana Aguiar
Catarina Pestana Aguiar
LDLilianne Duarte
Lilianne Duarte
CSCélia Azevedo Soares
Célia Azevedo Soares
PMPedro Marques-Couto
Pedro Marques-Couto
SESérgio Estrela-Silva
Sérgio Estrela-Silva
JMJoão Pedro Marques
João Pedro Marques

12 June 2025 in International Ophthalmology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CACatarina Pestana Aguiar
Catarina Pestana Aguiar
JAJoão Alves Ambrósio
João Alves Ambrósio
VMVítor Miranda
Vítor Miranda
MRMiguel Ruão
Miguel Ruão
LDLilianne Duarte
Lilianne Duarte
Purpose This study aims to investigate whether there is a correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) testing and IOP response following fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant injection in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Methods This study employed a real-world observational cohort retrospective design, enrolling patients who had received at least one intravitreal TA injection prior to a FAc implant injection between December 2018 and July 2022. Demographic data, medical and ophthalmic history were collected at baseline. Mean IOP was assessed before and after both treatments and steroid-response was defined as an IOP greater than 21 mmHg. Statistical analysis was performed to determine correlated IOP changes. Results A total of 28 eyes were included in the study. Six eyes exhibited a steroid response following the initial TA injection, and none of these eyes demonstrated a steroid response following the FAc implant. The FAc implant resulted in steroid response in six additional eyes. The analysis revealed no statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of a steroid response following a TA injection and the subsequent mean IOP progression following an FAc implant injection at any time point. No correlation was observed between the variation in IOP following the two treatments. Conclusion It is crucial to evaluate the necessity of a prior short-acting steroid challenge, which carries the risk of multiple disease relapses, given the potential for a prolonged and stable steroid to provide superior control. The predictive value of the test with TA was not evident in our sample, suggesting some usefulness in delaying treatment with the FAc implant.

1 February 2024 in The Pan-American Journal of Ophthalmology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CACatarina Pestana Aguiar
Catarina Pestana Aguiar
Jeniffer Domingues JesusJeniffer Domingues Jesus
Jeniffer Domingues Jesus
JCJoão C. M. Chibante-Pedro
João C. M. Chibante-Pedro
ARAntónio G. Rocha
António G. Rocha
Diabetic papillopathy (DP) is a rare ocular manifestation of diabetes mellitus. The exact etiology is not well understood, but in some cases, it may be associated with a rapid correction of the blood glucose level. There are limited case reports describing the use of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibodies which have shown effectiveness in reducing disc swelling. In this case, we present the case of an 80-year-old diabetic woman diagnosed with DP during a diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening. Her visual acuity (VA) was counting fingers on her right eye and 20/160 on her left eye. At the fundoscopy, an exuberant bilateral hemorrhagic disc edema was observed, along with a nonproliferative DR. This edema was also evident in the fluorescein angiography and was documented through the optical coherence tomography. Brain computed tomography normal. She was treated with ranibizumab with significant improvement of the optic disc edema and the VA.

30 March 2025
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
JAJoão Alves Ambrósio
João Alves Ambrósio
CACatarina Pestana Aguiar
Catarina Pestana Aguiar
PCPedro Cardoso-Teixeira
Pedro Cardoso-Teixeira
VMVítor Miranda
Vítor Miranda
JPJoão Chibante Pedro
João Chibante Pedro
MRMiguel Ruão
Miguel Ruão
Birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR) is a chronic, bilateral posterior uveitis characterized by yellow-white fundus lesions and a strong association with HLA-A29. Visual decline, often due to cystoid macular edema (CME) and retinal atrophy, necessitates early immunomodulatory therapy. This case report describes the clinical course of BCR and highlights the role of intravitreal corticosteroids in managing inflammation and CME. A 54-year-old previously healthy male diagnosed with BCR based on clinical findings and a positive HLA-A29 test presented with refractory CME. Over 20 months, his best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were monitored. Initial treatment included topical corticosteroids, methotrexate, and oral corticosteroids to address anterior chamber reaction, vitritis, diffuse retinal lesions, and vasculitis. Cyclosporine was added for persistent inflammation but discontinued due to a cutaneous reaction. Despite these efforts, CME persisted, necessitating intravitreal corticosteroids. BCVA in the right eye (OD) fluctuated between 20/20 and 20/30, while the left eye (OS) ranged from 20/20 to 20/40, with changes linked to treatment adjustments. Recurrent CME episodes were more pronounced in the OS, where CFT varied from 328 to 637 µm, while OD values ranged from 304 to 576 µm. Intravitreal dexamethasone and fluocinolone implants reduced CFT in both eyes, achieving stabilization at the final assessment (OD 341 µm, OS 347 µm). This case illustrates the challenges of managing BCR with refractory CME. While systemic immunomodulatory therapy is foundational, intravitreal corticosteroids play a vital role in controlling CME and preserving visual function. Combining systemic and local therapies proved essential for disease control. Long-term monitoring and individualized treatment are critical in managing this chronic condition.

1 March 2025 in International Medical Case Reports Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JAJoão Alves Ambrósio
João Alves Ambrósio
CACatarina Pestana Aguiar
Catarina Pestana Aguiar
PCPedro Cardoso-Teixeira
Pedro Cardoso-Teixeira
VMVítor Miranda
Vítor Miranda
JPJoão Chibante Pedro
João Chibante Pedro
MRMiguel Ruão
Miguel Ruão
Introduction: Birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR) is a chronic, bilateral posterior uveitis characterized by yellow-white fundus lesions and a strong association with HLA-A29. Visual decline, often due to cystoid macular edema (CME) and retinal atrophy, necessitates early immunomodulatory therapy. This case report describes the clinical course of BCR and highlights the role of intravitreal corticosteroids in managing inflammation and CME. Case Report: A 54-year-old previously healthy male diagnosed with BCR based on clinical findings and a positive HLA-A29 test presented with refractory CME. Over 20 months, his best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were monitored. Initial treatment included topical corticosteroids, methotrexate, and oral corticosteroids to address anterior chamber reaction, vitritis, diffuse retinal lesions, and vasculitis. Cyclosporine was added for persistent inflammation but discontinued due to a cutaneous reaction. Despite these efforts, CME persisted, necessitating intravitreal corticosteroids. BCVA in the right eye (OD) fluctuated between 20/20 and 20/30, while the left eye (OS) ranged from 20/20 to 20/40, with changes linked to treatment adjustments. Recurrent CME episodes were more pronounced in the OS, where CFT varied from 328 to 637 μm, while OD values ranged from 304 to 576 μm. Intravitreal dexamethasone and fluocinolone implants reduced CFT in both eyes, achieving stabilization at the final assessment (OD 341 μm, OS 347 μm). Conclusion: This case illustrates the challenges of managing BCR with refractory CME. While systemic immunomodulatory therapy is foundational, intravitreal corticosteroids play a vital role in controlling CME and preserving visual function. Combining systemic and local therapies proved essential for disease control. Long-term monitoring and individualized treatment are critical in managing this chronic condition. Plain Language Summary: Birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR) is a rare eye condition that causes inflammation in the posterior segment of the eye and can lead to vision problems, often due to fluid buildup in the retina (called cystoid macular edema, or CME). Early treatment is crucial to prevent long-term damage to eyesight. This report describes how a combination of treatments helped a 54-year-old man manage BCR and maintain his vision. The patient, previously healthy, was diagnosed with BCR after experiencing symptoms such as vision changes and inflammation in both eyes. Initial treatments included medications like methotrexate and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Despite these efforts, fluid buildup (CME) persisted, affecting his vision. To address this, doctors used injections of corticosteroids directly into the eye, which significantly reduced the fluid and helped stabilize his vision. By the end of treatment, both eyes showed improvement in retinal thickness and overall visual function. This case highlights the importance of combining systemic (whole-body) and local (eye-specific) treatments to manage BCR effectively. It also emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and tailored therapy, as this is a chronic condition requiring careful management to preserve eyesight.