Clinical Factors, Treatment Selection, and Outcomes in Postcataract Fungal Endophthalmitis from Contaminated Viscoelastics

PURPOSE

To investigate the factors associated with treatment outcomes of postcataract surgery fungal endophthalmitis outbreaks related to contaminated viscoelastics.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of clinical data from multiple institutions.

SUBJECTS

This study included 228 eyes of 210 patients who were diagnosed with postcataract surgery fungal endophthalmitis related to the use of viscoelastic material (Unial, Unimed Pharmaceutical Inc); they were followed up for 6 months after the diagnosis.

METHODS

Clinical features and causative species were identified and treatment outcomes were analyzed in patients who underwent 6 months of follow-up. Propensity score matching was conducted to elucidate the impact of vitrectomy timing and intraocular lens (IOL) removal on treatment outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical factors and selection of treatment modalities associated with treatment outcomes at 6 months.

RESULTS

Baseline visual acuity (P < 0.01), age (P = 0.05), and the presence of corneal edema (P < 0.01) were closely associated with poor best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months. Patients who underwent immediate vitrectomy after diagnosis showed significantly better BCVA at 6 months (mean logarithm of minimum angle of resolution 0.26 ± 0.43 vs. 0.52 ± 0.52, P = 0.03) and greater degree of visual improvement (mean -0.17 ± 0.37 improvement vs. 0.10 ± 0.57 deterioration, P = 0.03) than those who underwent deferred vitrectomy. Patients who underwent IOL removal during vitrectomy required a lower number of intravitreal antifungal agent injections (mean 8.9 ± 9.1 vs. 16.7 ± 12.2, P < 0.01) and showed a lower incidence of repeated vitrectomy (20% vs. 82%, P < 0.01) than in those without IOL removal.

CONCLUSIONS

In postcataract fungal endophthalmitis, prompt vitrectomy at the time of diagnosis resulted in better treatment outcomes, and IOL removal reduced the treatment burden. Prompt and aggressive surgical intervention should be considered for postcataract fungal endophthalmitis.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

NO EFFECT OF REAL-WORLD UNIVERSAL FACE MASKING ON POST-INTRAVITREAL INJECTION ENDOPHTHALMITIS RATE AT A SINGLE TERTIARY ACADEMIC CENTER

PURPOSE

To determine whether universal masking during COVID-19 altered rate and outcomes of postinjection endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-site, comparative, cohort study. Eyes diagnosed with endophthalmitis within 4 weeks of intravitreal injection at the University of Michigan from August 1, 2012, to November 15, 2022, were identified. Cases were considered "masking" between March 15, 2020, and November 15, 2022. Endophthalmitis rate, visual acuity, and microbial spectrum were investigated.

RESULTS

There were 20 postinjection endophthalmitis cases out of 72,194 injections (0.028%; one in 3,571 injections) premasking and 10 of 38,962 with universal masking (0.026%; one in 3,846 injections; odds ratio 0.9; 95% [confidence interval]: 0.4-2.0). Referral from the community was unchanged with 32 cases referred premasking (0.35 cases/month) and 10 cases with masking (0.31 cases/month). Presenting mean the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity with masking of all postinjection endophthalmitis cases trended worse (2.35 ± 0.40) compared with premasking (2.09 ± 0.48; P = 0.05) with light perception visual acuity more common with masking (31.6% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.06). There was no delay in time from procedure to initial treatment ( P = 0.36), no difference in the rate of initial treatment with tap and inject (T/I), and similar positive-culture rates ( P = 0.77) between the cohorts. Visual acuity after 30 days of follow-up was clinically unchanged (∼20/500 vs. 20/400; P = 0.59).

CONCLUSION

Universal masking had no effect on postinjection endophthalmitis rate or on the rate of culture-positive cases. Although presenting visual acuity appeared worse with masking, this was not statistically significant, and current treatment paradigms resulted in similar visual outcomes.

Tap and inject of intravitreal antibiotics versus pars plana vitrectomy for post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of initial tap and inject (T/I) compared with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for acute postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis following cataract surgery is unclear. Understanding the comparative safety and efficacy of initial T/I and initial PPV can provide context for treatment decision making in this setting.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from January 1990 to January 2021. Comparative studies reporting on final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) following initial T/I or PPV in patients with infectious endophthalmitis secondary to cataract surgery were included. Cochrane's Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to evaluate the risk of bias, and GRADE criteria were used to assess certainty of evidence. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Seven nonrandomized studies reporting on 188 eyes at baseline were included in this meta-analysis. Initial T/I achieved a significantly better BCVA at last study observation than initial PPV (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -0.61 logMAR; 95% CI, -1.19 to -0.03; p = 0.04; I2 = 89%; n = 7 studies; GRADE = very low). The incidence of enucleation was similar between initial T/I and initial PPV (risk ratio [RR] = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.09-6.25; p = 0.78; I2 = 4%; n = 2 studies; GRADE = very low). The risk of retinal detachment was similar between treatment modalities (RR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.01-5.94; p = 0.42; I2 = 52%; n = 2 studies; GRADE = very low).

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of evidence in this setting is limited. T/I had a significantly better BCVA at last study observation than initial PPV. Safety profiles were similar between T/I and PPV.

METHOD OF POVIDONE-IODINE APPLICATION AND ENDOPHTHALMITIS RISK

PURPOSE

To evaluate the proportion of patients developing endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents according to the mode of povidone-iodine (PI) antisepsis.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections given in a 7-year period at a community-based retinal practice. Endophthalmitis was diagnosed to have occurred if an eye developed intraocular inflammation and was given antibiotics with or without supportive culture identification of an organism. As part of their habitual clinical practice, component physicians used 5% PI as two drops, one drop, or just a dot of PI administered with a cotton-tipped applicator to the site before injection.

RESULTS

There were 113,610 intravitreal injections administered and 23 cases were diagnosed with endophthalmitis over the 7-year period, for a rate of 1 case per 4,940 injections. The mode of PI antisepsis showed no significant relation to the rate of endophthalmitis ( P = 0.55, chi-square test). The proportion of endophthalmitis by physician demonstrated no significant difference ( P = 0.39, chi-square test).

CONCLUSION

The use of PI has been associated with decreased incidence of endophthalmitis, but the mode of application has not been standardized. The results of this study suggest that "more is not better" in PI antisepsis in endophthalmitis. Moreover, the toxicity of PI on the ocular surface is known to be dose-related.

Endophthalmitis following same-day bilateral anti-VEGF injections: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To review the risk of endophthalmitis in same-day bilateral anti-VEGF injections.

METHODS

We searched 12 literature databases for studies on the risk of endophthalmitis after same-day bilateral intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Data extraction was made independently by two authors and discussed afterward until reaching consensus.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included with a total of 138,478 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (69,239 bilateral injections sessions) given in at least 7579 patients. In total, 33 cases of endophthalmitis had occurred, and no cases were bilateral. The incidence of endophthalmitis ranged from 0 to 0.53% per intravitreal injection across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that clinicians can consider same-day treatment of both eyes of patients in need of bilateral intravitreal anti-VEGF injection therapy, but larger studies are needed to quantify the exact risk of endophthalmitis.

LONG-TERM USE OF ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY FOR NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

PURPOSE

Although pivotal trials have demonstrated efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, there is a paucity of clinical data about the long-term (>5 years) treatment.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who were actively treated, had received >40 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, and were followed for ≥5 years. Snellen-corrected visual acuity, initial drug choice, and times elapsed between treatments were collected. Rates of endophthalmitis and outcomes of submacular hemorrhage were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 88 patients (162 eyes) met the inclusion criteria: the average patient age was 86.3 years with an average follow-up period of 7.6 years. The average total number of injections per eye was 69 (18.0 SD); a total of 11,208 injections were given throughout the study period, and 6 cases (0.05%) of endophthalmitis were observed. Overall, there was a clinical and statistical difference in average Snellen-corrected visual acuity at Injections #2,#3, #4, #5, #6, #10, and #20, as compared with baseline ( P = 0.03, P < 0.01, P = 0.02, P < 0.01, P = 0.01, P = 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively). Patients in the Snellen-corrected visual acuity subgroup 20/20 to 20/40 maintained vision until injection #30. Seven eyes experienced a visually significant submacular hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

This neovascular age-related macular degeneration cohort received on average eight anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections per year for approximately 8 years; eyes with good (≥20/40) initial baseline vision maintained their visual acuity, whereas those with worse Snellen-corrected visual acuity (≤20/50) had a robust initial improvement that diminished with time. Most patients were maintained on the same initial drug of choice and the rate of endophthalmitis was low.

Early Endophthalmitis Incidence and Risk Factors after Glaucoma Surgery in the Medicare Population from 2016 to 2019

PURPOSE

To determine early endophthalmitis incidence and risk factors after glaucoma surgeries in the Medicare population.

DESIGN

Retrospective, longitudinal study.

PARTICIPANTS

Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in the United States aged 65 years or older undergoing glaucoma surgery.

METHODS

Medicare claims were used to identify all patients who underwent glaucoma, cataract, or combined cataract/glaucoma surgery from 2016 to 2019. Endophthalmitis cases within 42 days of the index surgery were identified using the diagnostic codes. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with postoperative endophthalmitis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The 42-day postoperative endophthalmitis incidence and risk factors associated with endophthalmitis after glaucoma surgery.

RESULTS

There were 466 928 glaucoma surgeries, of which 310 823 (66.6%) were combined with cataract surgery. Cataract surgeries alone (n = 8 460 360) served as a reference group. Microinvasive glaucoma surgeries constituted most glaucoma procedures performed (67.8%), followed by trabeculectomy (14.0%), tube shunt (10.9%), and other procedures (7.3%). There were 572 cases of endophthalmitis identified after all glaucoma surgeries. Endophthalmitis incidence after glaucoma, combined cataract/glaucoma, and cataract surgeries alone was 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-1.7), 1.1 (95% CI, 1.0-1.2), and 0.8 (95% CI, 0.8-0.8) per 1000 procedures, respectively. The median day of diagnosis of endophthalmitis was later for glaucoma surgeries (16.5 days) compared with combined cataract/glaucoma or cataract surgeries alone (8 and 6 days, respectively). Compared with microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), tube shunts were the only surgery type to be a significant risk factor for endophthalmitis for both stand-alone (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.8, P = 0.002) and combined surgery (aOR 1.8, P = 0.047). The other risk factor for both stand-alone (aOR 1.1, P = 0.001) and combined (aOR 1.06, P = 0.049) surgeries was the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Age (aOR 1.03, P = 0.004) and male gender (1.46, P = 0.001) were significant risk factors for combined cataract and glaucoma surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with cataract surgery, early endophthalmitis incidence was higher for both glaucoma and combined cataract/glaucoma surgeries, with the highest incidence among tube shunts.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Endophthalmitis rates and risk factors following intraocular surgeries in the medicare population from 2016 to 2019

AIMS

To determine endophthalmitis rates and risk factors following intraocular surgeries in the Medicare population.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2019 in Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. 100% Medicare claims were used to identify eyes that underwent intraocular surgery. Exclusion criteria included eyes that had intraocular surgery 42 days before or after and eyes in patients with a history of endophthalmitis within 12 months.

RESULTS

9 744 400 intraocular surgeries were performed among Medicare beneficiaries from 2016 to 2019. A 42-day postoperative endophthalmitis rate was 0.09%. Endophthalmitis rate by surgery type was 0.43% for corneal transplant, 0.36% for secondary intraocular lens (IOL), 0.24% for retina, 0.16% for glaucoma, 0.11% for cataract combined with other procedures and 0.08% for cataract surgeries alone. On multivariable analysis, the risk of endophthalmitis was increased for all intraocular surgery types when compared with cataract surgeries; adjusted OR (aOR) 5.30 (p<0.01) for corneal transplant, aOR 4.50 (p<0.01) for secondary IOL, aOR 3.00 (p<0.01) for retina, aOR 1.93 (p<0.01) for glaucoma, aOR 1.45 (p<0.01) for combined cataract surgeries. Increased risk of developing endophthalmitis was associated with older age (≥85 vs 65-75 years: aOR 1.36; p<0.01), male sex (aOR 1.20; p<0.001) and greater Charlson Comorbidity Index (≥7 vs 0: aOR 1.79; p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative endophthalmitis rate after intraocular surgeries was 0.09% between 2016 and 2019 for Medicare beneficiaries. Endophthalmitis rates were highest for corneal transplant surgeries followed by secondary IOL surgeries and lowest for cataract surgeries. Older age, male gender and higher comorbidity index were associated with risk of endophthalmitis.

Evaluating the utility of inflammation score in post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis. Results from a prospective study in India. EMS Report #4

PURPOSE

To investigate if inflammation score (IS), calculated from the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and vitreous, indicates endophthalmitis severity.

METHODS

In a prospective study, consecutive adults with a clinical diagnosis of post-cataract endophthalmitis within 6 weeks of surgery were recruited. Patients were allocated to IS-based primary treatment (IS < 10: intravitreal injection and IS ≥ 10: vitrectomy) and randomized to two intravitreal antibiotics combinations (vancomycin + ceftazidime and vancomycin + imipenem). Undiluted vitreous microbiology work-up included culture susceptibility, polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing, and targeted next-generation sequencing.

RESULTS

The average age of 175 people was 63.4 ± 10.7 years and included 52.6% small incision cataract surgery and 47.4% phacoemulsification surgery. Severe endophthalmitis (IS ≥ 20), diagnosed in 27.4% of people, had a shorter time to symptoms (average 5.4 vs 8.7 days; P = 0.018), poorer presenting vision (all ≤ hand motion), higher culture positivity (50% vs 30.7%; P = 0.032), and higher Gram-negative bacterial infection (70.8% vs 46.2%; P = 0.042). For IS ≥ 20 discriminant and Gram-negative infection, Spearman's coefficient was 0.7 [P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.82], with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.9 (95% CI 0.85-0.94, P < 0.0001), a Youden index J of 0.74, a sensitivity of 87.2%, and a specificity of 87.5%. The final vision of >20/400 and >20/100 was regained in 50.2% and 29.1% of people, respectively. The susceptibility of common Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli was the highest for vancomycin (95.0%) and colistin (88.6%), respectively. NGS detected polymicrobial infection in 88.5% of culture-negative endophthalmitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher inflammation scores indicated severe disease and Gram-negative infection in post-cataract endophthalmitis.

Comparison of Endophthalmitis Rates after Alcohol-Based Chlorhexidine and Povidone-Iodine Antisepsis for Intravitreal Injections

OBJECTIVE

Intravitreal injections (IVIs) are the most frequently performed intraocular procedure in Canada. Povidone-iodine (PI) is the current gold standard for antisepsis for IVI and is widely used; chlorhexidine (CH) is a possible alternative antiseptic agent. This study aims to compare rates of endophthalmitis after IVI with 0.05% chlorhexidine with a 4% alcohol base antisepsis to rates of endophthalmitis after IVI with 10% PI antisepsis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS

Eyes that received IVI between May 2019 and October 2022 at a group retina practice in Edmonton, Canada.

METHODS

Eyes at a single center received focal conjunctival application of either 10% PI antisepsis or 0.05% CH in 4% alcohol antisepsis for 30 seconds before each IVI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Rates of endophthalmitis between the PI and CH groups.

RESULTS

A total of 170 952 IVIs were performed during the study period. A total of 31 135 were performed using CH prophylaxis compared with 139 817 with PI prophylaxis. Among all IVIs there were 49 total cases of endophthalmitis, 29 in the PI group (0.021%) and 20 in the CH group (0.064%). There was a statistically significant difference in the rates of endophthalmitis between the 2 groups (P < 0.001). The odds ratio for developing endophthalmitis with CH antisepsis was 3.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-5.2) compared with PI antisepsis. There were increased odds of developing endophthalmitis with aflibercept injection compared with bevacizumab (odds ratio, 3.48; 95% confidence interval, 2.09-7.24).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a statistically significant difference in rates of endophthalmitis between alcohol-based CH and PI antisepsis for IVI in our patient population utilizing the methods discussed. In our center, alcohol-based CH is now considered a second-line antiseptic agent. Further studies are warranted to further assess the endophthalmitis rate utilizing these 2 antiseptic agents.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Bleb-related infection after primary trabeculectomy: medical chart reviews from 1993 to 2021

BACKGROUND

To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for bleb-related infection (BRI) in patients who underwent mitomycin C-augmented primary trabeculectomy.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical charts of consecutive patients who had received primary trabeculectomy in Taipei Veterans General Hospital. We recorded the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients before, during and after surgery. Furthermore, we recorded the time interval between surgery and infection onset, clinical manifestations and visual outcomes of patients with BRI. The cumulative incidence of BRI was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to explore factors associated with BRI.

RESULTS

In total, 1663 eyes were postoperatively followed up for 94.57±65.23 months. The cumulative incidence of BRI was 1.86 per 1000 person-years during the 28-year follow-up period: 24 (1.44%) patients developed BRI and 6 (0.36%) patients additionally developed endophthalmitis. A multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of BRI with wound manipulation, high myopia and hyperlipidaemia. Patients younger than 60 years were more likely to receive wound manipulation than their elderly counterparts (<0.001). One year after BRI, the best corrected visual acuity of the eyes with blebitis did not change significantly, whereas that of the eyes with endophthalmitis worsened significantly.

CONCLUSION

Risk factors for BRI after trabeculectomy include wound manipulation, high myopia and hyperlipidaemia. Considering myopia is highly prevalent throughout the world and is a risk factor for glaucoma, the lifelong risk of BRI after trabeculectomy in eyes with high myopia warrants the attention of ophthalmologists.

Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery: a 13-year real-life report of 56 700 cataract operations

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To assess the frequency of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) and endophthalmitis during 13-year period in Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.

METHODS

All cataract surgeries performed between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2020, and all endophthalmitis cases during the same period were searched from electronic patient records. Numbers and frequencies of ISBCS, and complications, including endophthalmitis and vitreous loss, were recorded and compared with unilateral operations.

RESULTS

The study included 56 700 cataract surgeries in 34 797 patients of whom 39% (n=13 445) had ISBCS. The median age of the patients was 75 (IQR 68-80, range 0.08-99) years at the time of surgery. The proportion of ISBCS patients increased from 4.2% in 2008 to 46% in 2020. Vitreous loss occurred in 480 (0.9%) of cataract surgeries. There were no postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery (n=0) during the 13-year period.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of patients undergoing ISBCS increased from 4.2% in 2008 to 46% in 2020. No endophthalmitis were found to be associated with ISBCS.

Routine ophthalmologic examination in Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia is not necessary: incidence of and risk factors for ocular involvement

Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia is known to present a virulent clinical course, including multiple metastatic infections, which is not uncommon in Asia. However, there are limited data on the incidence and risk factors for ocular involvement in K. pneumoniae bacteremia. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia who underwent ophthalmologic examination in a tertiary center in Seoul, Korea, from February 2012 to December 2020. Two retinal specialists reviewed the findings of the ophthalmologic examinations and classified them as endophthalmitis, chorioretinitis, and no ocular involvement. Of 689 patients, 56 [8.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.2-10.4] had ocular involvement, and 9 (1.3%; 95% CI 0.6-2.5) were diagnosed with endophthalmitis. Of 47 patients with chorioretinitis, 45 (95.7%) improved with systemic antibiotic therapy alone. Community-onset bacteremia (100% vs 62.1% vs 57.4%, P = 0.04), cryptogenic liver abscess (55.6% vs 11.8% vs 8.5%, P = 0.003), and metastatic infection (66.7% vs 5.8% vs 10.6%, P < 0.001) were more common in endophthalmitis than in no ocular involvement or chorioretinitis. In the multivariable analysis, cryptogenic liver abscess [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 6.63; 95% CI 1.44-35.20] and metastatic infection (aOR, 17.52; 95% CI 3.69-96.93) were independent risk factors for endophthalmitis. Endophthalmitis was not associated with 30-day mortality. Endophthalmitis is rare in Asian patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremia. Targeted ophthalmologic examination in those with cryptogenic liver abscess, metastatic infection, or ocular symptoms may be more appropriate than routine examination of all patients.

ENDOGENOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS ASSOCIATED WITH INJECTION DRUG USE COMPARED WITH OTHER ETIOLOGIES

PURPOSE

To compare features of endogenous endophthalmitis associated with injection drug use (IDU) to endogenous endophthalmitis from other etiologies.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively collected data on patients with endogenous endophthalmitis due to IDU or other causes from three academic tertiary care centers over a six-year period. Differences in presenting characteristics, culture results, treatment, and visual acuity were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients (34%) had IDU-associated endogenous endophthalmitis while 75 patients (67%) had endogenous endophthalmitis from other causes. Compared with patients in the non-IDU group, IDU patients were significantly younger, more frequently male, had longer duration of symptoms at diagnosis, and were less likely to have bilateral disease ( P < 0.05 for all). Injection drug use patients were less likely to have a systemic infection source identified (29% vs. 71%, P < 0.001) or have positive cultures (47% vs. 80%, P < 0.001). The IDU group was less likely to be admitted to the hospital (71% vs. 92%, P = 0.005) and less likely to receive treatment with intravenous antimicrobials (55% vs. 83%, P = 0.003). Visual acuity did not significantly differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Endophthalmitis related to IDU presents in younger patients with less comorbidities and frequently without positive cultures or an identifiable systemic source; therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed to identify this disease.

The Use of Preoperative Prophylactic Systemic Antibiotics for the Prevention of Endopthalmitis in Open Globe Injuries: A Meta-Analysis

TOPIC

This study reports the effect of systemic prophylactic antibiotics (and their route) on the risk of endophthalmitis after open globe injury (OGI).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Endophthalmitis is a major complication of OGI; it can lead to rapid sight loss in the affected eye. The administration of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis is common practice in some health care systems, although there is no consensus on their use.

METHODS

PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase were searched. This was completed July 6, 2021 and updated December 10, 2022. We included randomized and nonrandomized prospective studies which reported the rate of post-OGI endophthalmitis when systemic preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (via the oral or IV route) was given. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and ROBINS-I tool were used for assessing the risk of bias. Where meta-analysis was performed, results were reported as an odds ratio. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021271271.

RESULTS

Three studies were included. One prospective observational study compared outcomes of patients who had received systemic or no systemic preoperative antibiotics. The endophthalmitis rates reported were 3.75% and 4.91% in the systemic and no systemic preoperative antibiotics groups, a nonsignificant difference (P = 0.68). Two randomized controlled trials were included (1555 patients). The rates of endophthalmitis were 17 events in 751 patients (2.26%) and 17 events in 804 patients (2.11%) in the oral antibiotics and IV (± oral) antibiotics groups, respectively. Meta-analysis demonstrated no significant differences between groups (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-2.12).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidences of endophthalmitis after OGI were low with and without systemic antibiotic prophylaxis, although high-risk cases were excluded in the included studies. When antibiotic prophylaxis is considered, there is moderate evidence that oral antibiotic administration is noninferior to IV.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Outbreak of Bilateral Endophthalmitis After Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery

Importance

Since bilateral simultaneous postoperative endophthalmitis (BSPOE) after immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) can be devastating for the patient, evaluating such cases in depth is important to maintaining patient safety.

Objective

To evaluate whether a systemic breach of sterility was associated with an outbreak of BSPOE after ISBCSs performed on the same day at a single community-based eye clinic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective case series included all patients diagnosed with BSPOE at ophthalmology departments in Denmark following an infectious outbreak after ISBCSs performed at a single community-based eye clinic in December 2022.

Exposure

Bilateral simultaneous postoperative endophthalmitis acquired after ISBCS.

Main Outcome and Measures

Patient recovery from BSPOE after ISBCS was evaluated based on clinical and microbiological reports.

Results

A woman aged 71 years, a man aged 84 years, and a woman aged 79 years consecutively presented with symptoms of endophthalmitis at regional eye departments 4 to 8 days after ISBCS performed on the same date at the same eye clinic. Five of 6 infected eyes underwent vitrectomy, and all eyes received an intravitreous injection of antibiotics. The same strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated in 4 of 5 eyes that underwent vitrectomy. Contamination of viscoelastics was ruled out with repeated cultures. One eye was eviscerated due to phthisis. In another patient, the final visual acuity of the eye most severely affected was 20/63 Snellen equivalents. Visual acuity of the remaining eyes recovered to 20/25 (3 eyes in 2 patients) and 20/20 (1 eye) Snellen equivalents.

Conclusions and Relevance

The finding of the same strain of S epidermidis in all patient cultures suggests a systemic breach of sterility at the clinic on the day of ISBCS. The outcome of these cases emphasizes the need to adhere to a strict surgical methodology and sterile principles during ISBCS.

The impact of antibiotic prophylaxis with intracameral cefuroxime on postoperative infectious endophthalmitis rates in a high-volume cataract surgery center

Our purpose was to compare postoperative infectious endophthalmitis rates before and after the introduction of antibiotic prophylaxis via intracameral with cefuroxime (ATB-P IC) in a high-volume cataract surgery service. Retrospective cohort study considering patients who underwent cataract surgery at Ophthal Hospital Especializado, São Paulo, Brazil, from January/2011 to December/2019. Patients operated from 2013 to 2019 comprised the ATB-P IC group while those operated from 2011 to 2013 formed the control group without the ATB-P IC protocol. A total of 23,184 cataract surgeries were included, with 6,207 in the Control Group and 16,977 in the ATB-P Group. A significantly higher rate of endophthalmitis was observed in the control group (0.0967%) when compared to the ATB-P group (0.0177%) (p = 0.014). Surgeries performed with ATB-P showed 80% less chance of reported endophthalmitis (OR = 0.20; 95% CI 0.05-0.72; p = 0.014) than those without ATB-P. Of the six cases confirmed by culture in the control group, all tested positive for Pseudomonas aeroginosa and the only case confirmed by culture in the ATB-P group was positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis. Our findings strongly support the use of intracameral antibiotic prophylaxis with cefuroxime to reduce postoperative infectious endophthalmitis rates, and we recommend its incorporation into cataract surgery protocols.

Incidence of post vitrectomy endophthalmitis in India - A multicentric study by VRSI study Group

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of post vitrectomy endophthalmitis (PVE) is reported to be between 0.02 and 0.84%. Resterilization of single use instruments is a common practice amidst developing countries to make it more affordable to the patients by reducing the cost of the surgery and also reduce the environmental hazard. The aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence of PVE amidst existing sterilization practices of reused instruments in multiple vitreoretinal centres in India.

METHODOLOGY

Centres with an endophthalmitis tracking system were invited to participate in a survey. Twenty-five centres were sent a questionnaire via email. The questionnaire included details about the institution, number of vitrectomies performed in a year, sterilization practices followed pre-operatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively, incidence of endophthalmitis and instrument reuse policies.

RESULTS

A total of 29 cases of endophthalmitis were reported out of the 47,612 vitrectomies performed across various centres. The mean incidence of endophthalmitis was 0.06%. There was no difference in the rates of endophthalmitis based on various pre-operative, intraoperative or postoperative prophylactic measures. Nearly 80% of the centres change most of the instruments after every case, while the rest reused. The mean number of times a cutter was being reused until discarded was 4.7. Nearly 76% followed a performance-based protocol, and the remaining 24% had a fixed protocol for the number of times an instrument can be reused before discarding it.

CONCLUSION

PVE rates are not significantly different in India despite the multiuse of single use instruments. The purpose of this paper is not to suggest an alternate protocol but to creating one in the future with these results in mind, to rationalise the use of single use instruments, make VR surgery more affordable and also have a positive impact on the carbon footprint of consumables in surgery.

Increased incidence of endophthalmitis after vitrectomy relative to face mask wearing during COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To determine the incidence and causative pathogens of endophthalmitis after vitrectomy during strict face mask wearing in the COVID-19 period.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicentre study including 31 ophthalmological institutions of the Japanese Retina and Vitreous Society or Japan-Clinical Retina Study group. Patients who had undergone vitrectomy during 2019, the pre-COVID-19 period, and from July 2020 to June 2021, the COVID-mask period, were studied. The results of cataract surgery were used as a control. The total number of vitrectomies and the total number of postoperative endophthalmitis were determined. Then, the differences in the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis between the pre-COVID-19 period and the COVID-mask period, and the type of pathogens causing the endophthalmitis were studied.

RESULTS

The incidence of postvitrectomy endophthalmitis was significantly lower in the pre-COVID-19 period with 16 568 surgeries and 18 endophthalmitis cases (0.11%) than in the COVID-mask period of 14 929 surgeries and 31 endophthalmitis cases (0.21%; p=0.031, OR=1.913, 95% CI 1.078 to 3.394). In the pre-COVID-19 period, 4 of the 18 eyes were culture positive, and all were of the Staphylococcus family. In the COVID-mask period, 9 of the 31 eyes were culture positive, and 4 cases were related to oral commensals including Streptococcus spp, which are reportedly very rare in endophthalmitis after vitrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary for physicians to be aware of the higher incidence of postvitrectomy endophthalmitis during the COVID-mask period, and to treat their patients appropriately.

Safety of office-based lens surgery: U.S. multicenter study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rate of adverse events after office-based lens surgery performed across multiple private practices in the United States.

SETTING

36 private practices across the U.S.

DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter study.

METHODS

This analysis included case records of all consecutive patients who underwent office-based lens surgery for visually significant cataract, refractive lens exchange, or phakic intraocular lens implantation between August 2020 and May 2022 at 36 participating sites across the U.S. The study outcome measures included the assessment of intraoperative and postoperative complications such as the incidence of unplanned vitrectomy, iritis, corneal edema, and endophthalmitis after lens surgery. The frequency of patients requiring a return to the operating room (OR) or referral to a retina surgeon and the frequency of patients requiring hospitalization or calling emergency services (911) for any reason were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The study reviewed 18 005 cases of office-based cataract or refractive lens surgery performed at 36 clinical sites. The rates of postoperative endophthalmitis, toxic anterior segment syndrome, and corneal edema were 0.028%, 0.022%, and 0.027%, respectively. Unplanned anterior vitrectomy was performed in 0.177% of patients. Although 0.067% of patients needed to return to the OR, 0.011% of patients were referred to the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of adverse events for office-based cataract or refractive lens surgery is similar to or less than the reported adverse event rate for modern cataract surgery in the ambulatory surgery center setting.

Lowering the Incidence of Endophthalmitis Following Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection: An Analysis of Aseptic Protocol Adjustment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The impact of anti-sepsis-anesthesia sequence in intravitreal injection (IVI)-associated endophthalmitis is unknown. We compared outcomes of patients who had 10% topical povidone-iodine before or after 2% topical lidocaine gel during IVIs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of IVIs in nine clinical sites was undertaken. Group 1 had lidocaine gel applied first. This protocol was changed on March 1, 2020, with Group 2 having povidone-iodine applied first. Visual and micro-biological outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Among 72 cases (0.07%) from 102,908 IVIs, Group 1 had 59 cases from 65,307 IVI (0.09%) and Group 2 had 13 cases from 37,601 IVI (0.03%; P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the best-corrected visual acuity between groups. Highly virulent bacteria were predominantly isolated in Group 1, but proportions of gram-positive bacterial growth were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of povidone-iodine before lidocaine gel, compared to after, significantly decreased rate of IVI endophthalmitis, with no significant changes in visual and microbiological outcomes. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:520-525.].

Clinical settings, management and factors affecting outcomes in multi and extensively-drug resistant Pseudomonas endophthalmitis

PURPOSE

To report the clinical settings, management and factors affecting outcomes in multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively-drug resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas endophthalmitis.

SETTINGS

Retrospective, consecutive, non-comparative interventional case series. Cases of MDR and XDR Pseudomonas endophthalmitis from January 2012 to December 2020 treated at our tertiary eye care center were included. Data collected included clinical data, anatomic and functional outcome, isolated micro-organisms, and culture sensitivity.

RESULTS

This study included 29 eyes of 29 patients with MDR/XDR Pseudomonas endophthalmitis. Mean age at presentation was 60.27 ± 14.9 years (median 63). Commonest clinical setting was acute post-operative endophthalmitis in 27 cases (93.1%). Concurrent corneal infiltrate was present in 11 eyes (37.9%). Initial intervention in 19 eyes (65.5%) was vitrectomy, 2 of which underwent endoscopic pars plana vitrectomy. Mean number of interventions was 3.34 ± 1.44 (median 4). Mean follow up was 3.25 ± 3.07 months (median 2). Sensitivity to ceftazidime was 48.28%. All isolates were sensitive to colistin. Mean visual acuity at last follow up in logMAR was 2.64 ± 1.48 (median 3.5). Seven eyes (24.13%) were NPL (nil perception of light) at the last follow up. Two eyes (6.9%) underwent evisceration. Nine eyes (31.03%) had a favourable anatomic and functional outcome. Eyes without a corneal infiltrate at presentation were found to have a favourable anatomic and favourable functional outcome (OR 11.91, P < 0.04, CI 1.08 to 130.93).

CONCLUSION

Corneal involvement at presentation is associated with poorer outcomes in MDR and XDR Pseudomonas endophthalmitis. There is a potential role of higher newer antibiotics especially colistin in the management of these cases.

Endogenous Endophthalmitis From a Klebsiella pneumoniae Liver Abscess: The Incidence, Risk Factors, and Utility of Imaging

PURPOSE

We investigated the rate of ophthalmologic examinations to detect endogenous endophthalmitis in patients with pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) and the incidence and risk factors of endophthalmitis from a PLA caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (PLA-K).

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

A total of 536 patients admitted to a university hospital in Korea to treat PLAs during 2012-2022 were included. The proportion of patients who were referred for ophthalmologic examinations was investigated and the incidence of endophthalmitis in 248 patients with PLA-K was calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to define risk factors including demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, radiologic findings, and systemic conditions.

RESULTS

A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination was performed in 73.7% of all patients with PLAs, and the incidence of endophthalmitis from a PLA-K was 7.3%. A liver abscess >5 cm increased the incidence of endogenous endophthalmitis 4-fold compared with smaller abscesses (odds ratio [OR] = 4.01 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.02-15.78], P = .047) and portal or hepatic vein thrombophlebitis increased the incidence approximately 4-fold (OR = 4.04 [95% CI, 1.10-14.83], P = .036). Acute cholangitis was approximately 8-fold (OR = 8.33 [95% CI, 1.25-55.71], P = .029), and disseminated intravascular coagulation was approximately 6-fold (OR = 5.76 [95% CI, 1.22-27.21], P = .027) more related to prevalence of endophthalmitis. Other extrahepatic infections increased the incidence approximately 43-fold (OR = 43.06 [95% CI, 10.14-182.90], P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should consider the risk of endogenous endophthalmitis when PLA-K patients have large liver abscesses (>5 cm), acute cholangitis, portal or hepatic vein thrombophlebitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or other extrahepatic infections.

Fungal Infection After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: Incidence and Outcomes

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to describe the incidence, presentation, management, and outcomes of fungal infection after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

METHODS

Retrospective case series of culture-proven fungal infections after DMEK reported in the literature, directly by surgeons, and to the Eye Bank Association of America from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020.

RESULTS

The domestic incidence of fungal infections, fungal keratitis, and fungal endophthalmitis after DMEK from 2011 to 2020 was 3.5, 1.3, and 2.2 per 10,000 cases, respectively, with no significant increasing trend. Thirty-four cases were identified, 14 (41.2%) published and 20 (58.8%) unpublished. Donor tissue fungal cultures were performed in 20 of the 34 (58.8%) cases and were positive in 19 of the 20 (95.0%), all but one Candida species. Recipient fungal cultures were performed in 29 of the 34 (85.3%) cases and were positive in 26 of the 29 (89.7%), all but one Candida species. Infection presented a mean of 33 ± 38 days (median 23, range 2-200, outlier 949) after transplantation: 25 (73.5%) with endophthalmitis and 9 (26.5%) with keratitis. Topical, intrastromal, intracameral, intravitreal, or systemic antifungal therapy was used in all 27 eyes with treatment data. Surgical intervention (DMEK explantation or partial removal, repeat endothelial keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty, and/or pars plana vitrectomy) was required in 21 of the 27 (77.8%) eyes. The corrected distance visual acuity at the last follow-up was ≥20/40 in 13 of the 27 (48.1%) eyes and counting fingers or worse in 6 of the 27 (22.2%) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Fungal infection is a rare but serious complication of DMEK that results in counting fingers or worse corrected distance visual acuity in nearly a quarter of eyes.

Bacterial Keratitis: Clinical Features, Causative Organisms, and Outcome During a 13-year Study Period

PURPOSE

This study aimed to review clinical features, causative organisms, complications, and outcome of bacterial keratitis cases at a tertiary eye hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on clinically diagnosed bacterial keratitis cases from 2007 to 2019. Poor outcome was flagged if any of the following was identified: final visual acuity (VA) worse than 20/200, decrease in VA (1 line or worse compared with presenting VA), corneal perforation, endophthalmitis, failed graft, or cases requiring enucleation or evisceration.

RESULTS

The study included 263 cases of bacterial keratitis with 169 cases (64.3%) of culture-positive bacterial keratitis. Gram-positive bacteria were found to be the causative organism in 106 cases (62.8%). The most common types were coagulase-negative staphylococci (23.1%) and Pseudomonas (23.1%). Culture-positive bacterial keratitis was associated with the development of anterior chamber reaction (≥1+) on multivariate analysis [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 3.03, confidence interval (CI): 1.23-7.45, P = 0.016]. The complications that occurred in the current cohort included visually significant scar (64.7%), perforation (10.8%), cataract (8.8%), nonhealing epithelial defects (8.0%), corneal neovascularization (4.9%), endophthalmitis (4.6%), and hypotony (1.5%). On multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR: 3.51, CI: 1.59-7.76, P = 0.002), poor presenting best-corrected VA (adjusted OR: 3.95, CI 1.96-7.96, P < 0.001), and positive cultures (adjusted OR: 2.36, CI: 1.11-5.00, P = 0.025) were associated with poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Culture-negative keratitis had less severe infection and better outcomes when compared to culture-positive bacterial keratitis. Factors associated with poor outcome included diabetes, poor presenting VA, and positive cultures.

Prevalence of Ocular Candidiasis and Candida Endophthalmitis in Patients With Candidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Infectious diseases and ophthalmology professional societies have disagreed regarding ocular screening in patients with candidemia. We aimed to summarize the current evidence on the prevalence of ocular candidiasis (OC) and Candida endophthalmitis (CE) according to the standardized definitions.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted from the inception date through 16 October 2022 using PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS. Pooled prevalence of ocular complications was derived from generalized linear mixed models (PROSPERO CRD42022326610).

RESULTS

A total of 70 and 35 studies were included in the meta-analysis for OC and concordant CE (chorioretinitis with vitreous involvement), respectively. This study represented 8599 patients with candidemia who underwent ophthalmologic examination. Pooled prevalences (95% CI) of OC, overall CE, concordant CE, and discordant CE were 10.7% (8.4-13.5%), 3.1% (2.1-4.5%), 1.8% (1.3-2.6%), and 7.4% (4.5-12%) of patients screened, respectively. Studies from Asian countries had significantly higher concordant CE prevalence (95% CI) of patients screened (3.6%; 2.9-4.6%) compared with studies from European countries (1.4%; .4-5%) and American countries (1.4%; .9-2.2%) (P <.01). Presence of total parenteral nutrition and Candida albicans was associated with CE, with pooled odds ratios (95% CI) of 6.92 (3.58-13.36) and 3.02 (1.67-5.46), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of concordant CE overall and among Asian countries was 2 and 4 times higher than the prevalence previously reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) of <0.9%, respectively. There is an urgent need to study optimal screening protocols and to establish joint recommendations by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and AAO.

National emergency department trends for endogenous endophthalmitis: an increasing public health challenge

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

To characterize incidence rates and identify risk factors for admission and mortality in patients with endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) in the United States (US).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Patients with EE were identified using the Nationwide Emergency Department (NEDS) Database from 2006 to 2017 in this cross-sectional study. Subjects were required to have diagnoses of both endophthalmitis and septicaemia using contemporary International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes. Incidence rates, mortality rates and demographics were evaluated. Risk factors for admission and mortality were identified using weighted logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 6400 patients with EE were identified. Incidence increased from 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.12) per 100,000 in the US population in 2006 to 0.25 (95% CI: 0.21-0.30) in 2017 (p < 0.05). Most were female (55.4%), insured with Medicare (53.5%), were in the first income quartile earnings (29.3%) [bottom 25% income bracket], lived in the South (40.5%), and presented to metropolitan teaching hospitals (66.6%). Mortality increased from 8.6% (95% CI: 3.8-18.3%) in 2006 to 13.8% (95% CI: 9.7-19.2%) in 2017 (p = 0.94). Factors predicting admission included older age (odds ratio [OR] 32.59; [95% CI 2.95-359.78]) and intravenous drug use (OR 14.90 [95% CI: 1.67-133.16]). Factors associated with increased mortality included: human immunodeficiency virus infection/immune deficiencies (OR 2.58 [95% CI: 1.26-5.28]), heart failure (OR 2.12 [95% CI: 1.47-3.05]), and hepatic infections/cirrhosis (OR 1.89 [95% CI: 1.28-2.79]). Pneumonia and renal/urinary tract infections (UTI) were associated with both increased hospital admission [(pneumonia OR 9.64 (95% CI: 1.25-74.35, p = 0.030), renal/UTI OR 4.09 (95% CI: 1.77-9.48)] and mortality [(pneumonia OR 1.64 (95% CI: 1.17-2.29, p = 0.030), renal/UTI OR 1.87 (95% CI: 1.18-2.97)]. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) had decreased odds ratio for mortality (OR 0.49 [95% CI: 0.33-0.73]).

CONCLUSION

EE has increased in incidence throughout US. The two systemic factors that conferred both an increase in mortality and admission were pneumonia, and renal/UTI. Additional exploration of the potential protective association of DM with decreased mortality in this context is needed.

An Outbreak of Fungal Endophthalmitis After Cataract Surgery in South Korea

Importance

Fungal endophthalmitis caused by contaminated medical products is extremely rare; it follows an intractable clinical course with a poor visual prognosis.

Objective

To report the epidemiologic and clinical features and treatment outcomes of a nationwide fungal endophthalmitis outbreak after cataract surgery as a result of contaminated viscoelastic agents in South Korea.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective case series analysis of clinical data from multiple institutions in South Korea conducted from September 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021. Data were collected through nationwide surveys in May and October 2021 from the 100 members of the Korean Retinal Society. Patients were diagnosed with fungal endophthalmitis resulting from the use of the viscoelastic material sodium hyaluronate (Unial [Unimed Pharmaceutical Inc]). Data were analyzed from November 1, 2021, to May 30, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The clinical features and causative species were identified, and treatment outcomes were analyzed for patients who underwent 6 months of follow-up.

Results

The fungal endophthalmitis outbreak developed between September 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, and peaked in November 2020. An official investigation by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency confirmed contamination of viscoelastic material. All 281 eyes of 265 patients (mean [SD] age, 65.4 [10.8] years; 153 female individuals [57.7%]) were diagnosed with fungal endophthalmitis, based on clinical examinations and supportive culture results. The mean (SD) time period between cataract surgery and diagnosis was 24.7 (17.3) days. Patients exhibited characteristic clinical features of fungal endophthalmitis, including vitreous opacity (212 of 281 [75.4%]), infiltration into the intraocular lens (143 of 281 [50.9%]), and ciliary infiltration (55 of 281 [19.6%]). Cultures were performed in 260 eyes, and fungal presence was confirmed in 103 eyes (39.6%). Among them, Fusarium species were identified in 89 eyes (86.4%). Among the 228 eyes included in the treatment outcome analysis, the mean (SD) best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.78 (0.74) logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 20/120 [7.3 lines]) to 0.36 (0.49) logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 20/45 [4.9 lines]) at 6 months. Furthermore, disease remission with no signs of fungal endophthalmitis (or cells in the anterior chamber milder than grade 1) was noted in 214 eyes (93.9%).

Conclusions and Relevance

This was a retrospectively reviewed case series of a fungal endophthalmitis outbreak resulting from contaminated viscoelastic material. Findings of this case series study support the potential benefit of prompt, aggressive surgical intervention that may reduce treatment burden and improve prognosis of fungal endophthalmitis caused by contaminated medical products.

Molecular characterization of fungal endophthalmitis and keratitis caused by yeasts

Candida species are the most common causes of sight-threatening fungal ocular infections in temperate regions of the world. Despite their relevance, little is known about the emergence of novel species and the molecular epidemiology of these infections. Here, we molecularly characterized 38 yeast isolates collected from patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis or keratitis at Massachusetts Eye and Ear from 2014 to 2021. Sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-/ITS2 regions demonstrated that this population of yeasts was dominated by Candida spp. (37 out of 38; 97%), with 58% of the cases caused by C. albicans (n = 22) and the remaining by emerging non-albicans species, predominantly by C. parapsilosis (n = 8) and C. dubliniensis (n = 6). One isolate each was identified as C. tropicalis and Clavispora lusitaniae. Interestingly, all C. dubliniensis were isolated from endophthalmitis and most C. parapsilosis from keratitis. Multilocus sequence typing analysis of C. albicans showed a prevalence of CC-1 isolates that has DST69 as the putative founder, with 64% of them belonging to this clonal complex (CC). Isolates grouped within this cluster were more predominant in endophthalmitis (10 out of 14; 71%). One C. albicans CC-1 isolate was multi-azole resistant. In conclusion, we observed that nearly half of the ocular infections caused by yeasts are associated with C. albicans, with evidence for the emergence of non-albicans species that are differentially enriched in distinct ocular niches. Candida albicans isolates clustered within the predominant CC-1 group were particularly more common in endophthalmitis, demonstrating a potential pattern of ocular disease enrichment within this clade.

Anesthesia techniques and the risk of complications as reflected in the European Registry of Quality Outcomes for Cataract and Refractive Surgery

PURPOSE

To determine the trends in anesthesia techniques for cataract surgery over the past decade and their relationship to surgical complications.

SETTING

Clinics affiliated with the European Registry of Quality Outcomes for Cataract and Refractive Surgery (EUREQUO).

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional register-based study.

METHODS

Variables include patient demographics, visual acuity, ocular comorbidities, surgery characteristics, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications for the study period from January 2008, to December 2018. The anesthesia methods registered in the EUREQUO and included in the study are topical, combined topical and intracameral, sub-Tenon, regional, and general anesthesia. Multivariate logistic regression models for each complication were constructed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Complete data were available of 1 354 036 cataract surgeries. Topical anesthesia increased significantly over time (from 30% to 76%, P < .001). Sub-Tenon and regional anesthesia decreased (from 27% and 38% to 16% and 6%, respectively, P < .001), and general and combined topical and intracameral anesthesia remained stable (around 2%). Sub-Tenon (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71-0.91, P < .001), regional (0.74; 95% CI, 0.71-0.78, P < .001), general (0.53; 95% CI, 0.50-0.56, P < .001), and intracameral anesthesia (0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.90, P = .001) carried a significantly decreased risk of posterior capsule rupture (PCR), with and without dropped nucleus, compared with topical anesthesia. The risk of endophthalmitis was significantly lower with regional anesthesia compared with topical anesthesia (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.44-0.82, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of topical anesthesia for cataract surgery increased over time. Topical anesthesia is associated with an increased risk of PCR with and without dropped nucleus, and endophthalmitis.

Acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery performed by resident and attending physicians at a university teaching hospital

PURPOSE

To evaluate acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis following cataract surgery and to compare rates between resident and attending physician-performed cohorts.

SETTING

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Records of patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis within 6 weeks of surgery performed by attending and resident physicians between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, were reviewed. Total cataract volume was obtained from institutional records, and resident case totals were obtained from case logs. Endophthalmitis cases were obtained from billing records and confirmed with chart review.

RESULTS

There were 22 cases of endophthalmitis among 32 505 cases (0.068%). Endophthalmitis occurred in 6 of 6447 (0.093%) resident cases and 16 of 26 058 (0.061%) attending cases ( P = .55). The most common bacterial isolates were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (8/22, 36.3%) and Streptococcus species (3/22, 13.6%), with negative cultures in 10 (10/22, 45.5%). Initial treatment with vitreous tap and injection of intravitreal antibiotics was performed in 21 eyes (21/22, 95.4%) and vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotic injection in one (1/22, 4.5%). Vitrectomy was performed secondarily in 9 patients (9/22, 40.9%). Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at last follow-up was ≥20/40 in 13 eyes (13/22, 59%) and ≤hand motions in 3 eyes (3/22, 13.6%). CDVA (logMAR mean ± SD) was 1.22 ± 1.16 in resident and 0.49 ± 0.79 in attending cases ( P = .11).

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis developed infrequently following cataract surgery. The rates and visual outcomes of endophthalmitis were similar in resident and attending cases.

Correlation between Endophthalmitis and Stroke Development in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

This cohort study aimed to research the correlation between endophthalmitis and stroke development in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients by reviewing National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) data.

METHODS

This study obtained data from the NHIRD over a sixteen-year period. The primary outcome was stroke development. We used Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-squared test to analyze the variables. We investigated the risk factors for disease development using Cox regression analyses. We compared the cumulative incidence of stroke using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 549 patients with AS and endophthalmitis, while the comparison cohort included 2196 patients with AS but without endophthalmitis. The stroke development was increased in the study cohort (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.873; p ≤ 0.001). The total stroke development in the study cohort and the comparison cohort was 1724.44 per 100,000 person-years and 1085.11 per 100,000 person-years, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.873; 95% confidence interval, 1.776-2.022; p < 0.001). Our study cohort showed an increased stroke rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our studies showed that endophthalmitis increases the risk of stroke in AS patients and endophthalmitis is an independent risk factor for stroke in AS patients. Nonetheless, advanced studies that thoroughly investigate the correlation between endophthalmitis and stroke in AS patients are needed to validate our findings.

Unusual Inflammatory Clinical Presentation After Cataract Surgery and that Thought-provoking Question: Is this Infection or Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome?

PURPOSE

Toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) is a noninfectious anterior chamber reaction caused by ocular surgeries. It usually develops within the first 12-48 h after surgery. In case of clinical suspicion of TASS, endophthalmitis as a devastating disease should always be excluded. However, the fact that TASS and endophthalmitis can look the same, but the treatment for each is different. Therefore, distinguishing between the two conditions is an important factor in coping with both diseases. It was aimed to describe the features and clinical management that are considered when distinguishing the cause of unexpected inflammatory response after cataract surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records of 13 patients who developed TASS in our clinic at Ege University Ophthalmology Department on three different days between July 2022 and December 2022 were included in this study. Anterior segment photographs of those 13 patients and the records of ophthalmological examinations of those patients, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ocular pressure, biomicroscopic, and fundoscopic examination, were collected. Medical data were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean time to onset of clinical symptoms was 27.6 h. The main complaint was pain in nine patients. The primary symptom in the remainder of the patients was blurred vision. Severe hypopyon was seen in 5 cases. Despite the presence of pain and hypopyon, patients who were treated with topical steroids were closely followed up (every 2 h) because they were consecutive patients and had relatively acute onset complaints. Inflammation was regressed after an average of 4 h. No factor causing TASS was found. The BCVA was at the minimum level of 8/10 on the 5th day of surgery.

CONCLUSION

When distinguishing TASS from endophthalmitis, severe pain, relatively late onset, hyperemia, and the presence of severe hypopyon usually lead ophthalmologists to the clinical diagnosis of endophthalmitis. However, in this study, most of the patients diagnosed with TASS had severe pain, a significant portion of them had hypopyon, and the onset of the symptoms was relatively late. Close follow-up immediately after suspicion plays a vital role in clinical diagnosis and management accordingly.

Incidence of Acute Endophthalmitis after Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injection in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose

Antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents are routinely intravitreously injected to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Postoperative endophthalmitis, a side effect after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, has been reported to have a low incidence but may threaten vision. In this study, we aimed to analyze the incidence of acute endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti-VEGF injection and associated risk factors in patients with neovascular AMD in South Korea.

Methods

Using the health claims data recorded in the Korean National Health Insurance System database, we identified newly developed neovascular AMD cases from 2010 through 2019. Acute endophthalmitis was defined as a case of invasive treatment for accompanying symptoms. All statistical analyses were performed with a significance level p < 0.05. To find risk factors, we used univariate and multivariable Poisson regression.

Results

The overall incidence of acute endophthalmitis was 0.019% (p = 0.21) during the 10-year period: 0.025% for aflibercept injection and 0.014% for ranibizumab injection. The incidence was higher in metropolitan city residents than in Seoul (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–3.79; p = 0.04) and was higher for aflibercept injections than for ranibizumab injections (IRR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.17–2.82; p = 0.01). However, in multivariate analysis, only aflibercept injections showed a significant effect on the incidence of acute endophthalmitis (IRR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.16–2.79; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

The incidence of acute endophthalmitis after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections was generally low, and aflibercept was revealed as a significant risk factor.

Preventive factors, diagnosis, and management of injection-related endophthalmitis: a literature review

BACKGROUND

Intravitreal medication injections represent the gold standard treatment for a variety of potentially blinding chorioretinal vascular diseases. Despite their excellent safety profile, they are associated with the feared complication of injection-related endophthalmitis (IRE). Though the overall incidence of IRE is low, due to the ever-increasing number of injections being performed, it is a complication that all retina specialists are likely to encounter. This article reviews various factors that could potentially influence the risk of IRE and discusses evidence-based strategies for management.

METHOD

PubMed was searched for keywords "intravitreal injection" and "endophthalmitis" from the period of 1995-2021. Relevant articles were reviewed and selected articles were analyzed with respect to the incidence, potential preventive factors, clinical presentation, microbial profile, management, and outcomes for IRE.

RESULTS

There is strong consensus supporting the use of povidone iodine topical antiseptic, eyelid retraction away from the injection site, and avoiding treatment of eyes with active surface or eyelid disease, but there is less agreement on the use of face masks versus "no-talking" policies and optimal anesthetic technique. Current evidence comparing tap and inject or early vitrectomy for treatment of IRE is inadequate to determine an optimal treatment strategy.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal injections are sight saving, but even using established prophylactic measures there remains a small but real risk of infectious injection-related complications. Further investigations comparing tap and inject versus vitrectomy may help to establish optimal treatment, although the rarity of IRE makes designing adequately powered prospective trials a difficult task.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Metallo β-Lactamase Producing Gram-Negative Pathogens Causing Eye Infections

Purpose:

Metallo β-lactamases (MβL) production is a worldwide problem, particularly in gram-negative bacteria. As scanty data is available on the prevalence of MBL, the present study is being undertaken to determine the prevalence, antibacterial sensitivity patterns, and molecular characterization of MβL associated resistant genes in gram-negative bacteria isolated from ocular infections.

Material and Methods

At a tertiary eye care center in south India, 359 gram-negative pathogens, 200 isolates from eye infections, and 159 isolates from normal flora of the eye were studied. A gold standard microbiology method was used to identify the isolates. An antibiotic double disc synergy test and a combination disc test were used to detect MβL production. Multiplex PCR was used to investigate the molecular characteristics of the MβL encoding genes blaVIM, blaIMP, and blaNDM.

Results

Of the 359 gram-negative bacterial pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 108 (30.1%) and Enterobacter agglomerans 46 (12.8%) were commonly isolated. High prevalence of P. aeruginosa 81% (17 strains) was detected as an MβL producer and it shows 100% resistance to 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins and meropenem. Multiplex PCR detected only the blaVIM gene in 56 (28%) of various eye infections and 27 (17%) of normal flora of the gram-negative bacteria (GNB). The blaVIM gene is detected predominantly in 51.8% of keratitis and 21.4% of postoperative endophthalmitis. High prevalence of the gene was detected in P. aeruginosa 42.9% (24 of 56) and Alcaligens denitrificans 10.7% (6 of 56) from eye infections. Whereas, in the control group, P. aeruginosa and E. coli each had 14.8% (4 of 27) that were shown positive.

Conclusion

The emerging MβLs mediated resistance among P. aeruginosa is a challenging task for ophthalmologists, especially in patients with endophthalmitis and bacterial keratitis. This local knowledge will aid in advising appropriate antibiotic use and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, which are highly warranted.

Epidemiology of Acute Endophthalmitis after Intraocular Procedures: A National Database Study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the causes of postoperative acute endophthalmitis at the national level longitudinally.

DESIGN

Cohort study from 2009 to 2018 in France.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients diagnosed with acute endophthalmitis after intraocular procedures.

METHODS

The French medical-administrative database was used. Endophthalmitis cases and intraocular procedures were identified based on billing codes in all French hospitals and private practices.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence of acute endophthalmitis within 42 days of the procedure.

RESULTS

From January 1, 2009, to October 31, 2018, 7522 cases of acute endophthalmitis occurred after 14 438 854 intraocular procedures. Most cases occurred after standalone cataract surgery (4808 cases for 7 316 077 procedures; 63.92%), followed by after intravitreal (IVT) injections (1296 cases for 5 455 631 IVT injections; 17.23%), vitreoretinal surgery (698 for 442 263 procedures; 9.28%), anterior segment surgery (245 cases; 3.26%), combined cataract and vitreoretinal surgery (191 cases; 2.54%), cornea surgery (142 cases; 1.89%), and glaucoma surgery (80 cases; 1.06%). The overall incidence of acute endophthalmitis was 1 per 1920 procedures (0.0521%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0520-0.0522). The surgery with the highest incidence of endophthalmitis was scleral and globe surgery, with an incidence of 0.1827% (95% CI, 0.1757-0.1898), followed by vitreoretinal surgery combined with cataract surgery, with an incidence of 0.1685% (95% CI, 0.1663-0.1706). The incidence of endophthalmitis after IVT injections was stable over the study period, and patients receiving IVT injections were the oldest, aged 75.4 years (standard deviation, 12.0 years; P < 0.001). The onset of endophthalmitis after IVT procedures, i.e, after receiving IVT injections or undergoing vitreoretinal surgery, was earlier than that after the other procedures (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The profile of patients referred for acute endophthalmitis has been evolving over the past decade, with a decrease in the raw number of endophthalmitis cases after cataract surgery as opposed to an increase in the number of patients presenting with endophthalmitis after IVT injections.

INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF POSTOPERATIVE ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER PRIMARY SURGICAL REPAIR COMBINED WITH INTRAOCULAR FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL

PURPOSE

To analyze the incidence and risk factors of postoperative endophthalmitis after primary surgical repair and intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal within 24 hours of injury.

METHODS

The records of all patients treated surgically for open globe injury and IOFB removal at the Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Variables included time from injury to operation, cause of injury, details of surgical repair, and follow-up. The incidence and risk factors of endophthalmitis after IOFB removal were studied.

RESULTS

During 5 years, 99 patients with IOFB were reviewed. Of these, 19 patients were diagnosed with endophthalmitis on admission, and 5 were suspected of having endophthalmitis during operation. Fifty-four cases had no clinical signs of endophthalmitis on admission and during operation and were treated with operation within 24 hours after the injury. Two patients (2 of 54; 3.70%) developed endophthalmitis after IOFB removal, and the causative agent in both cases was Bacillus cereus.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of infectious endophthalmitis after primary surgical repair combined with IOFB removal (≤24 hours) was 3.70% in patients who received a series of standard treatments, and B. cereus infection might be a risk factor.

Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens isolated from the aqueous and vitreous humor in the Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring in Ocular micRoorganisms (ARMOR) Surveillance Study: 2009-2020 update

BACKGROUND

We evaluated antibiotic resistance among intraocular isolates obtained from presumed endophthalmitis cases collected from 2009 through 2020 in the Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring in Ocular micRoorganisms (ARMOR) study, the only ongoing nationwide surveillance study tracking in vitro resistance in ocular pathogens.

METHODS

Presumed endophthalmitis isolates obtained from the aqueous humor and vitreous humor were collected from participating centers, and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined and interpreted per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methods and available breakpoints.

RESULTS

A total of 307 presumed endophthalmitis isolates (aqueous humor, n = 88; vitreous humor, n = 219) were obtained from 43 clinical sites, including 188 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), 61 Staphylococcus aureus, 31 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 14 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 13 Haemophilus influenzae isolates. Of the CoNS isolates, 47.9% (90/188) were methicillin-resistant, 58.0% (109/188) were azithromycin-resistant, and 46.3% (87/188) were ciprofloxacin-resistant. Of the S. aureus isolates, 45.9% (28/61) were methicillin-resistant, 57.4% (35/61) were azithromycin-resistant, and 44.3% (27/61) were ciprofloxacin-resistant. Multidrug resistance (MDR; i.e., resistance to ≥3 antibiotic classes) was prevalent among staphylococci, particularly methicillin-resistant strains, of which >70% exhibited MDR. Resistance among S. pneumoniae isolates was notable for azithromycin and penicillin, each 38.7% (12/31), and for polymyxin B among P. aeruginosa 100.0% (14/14), while no resistance was observed for H. influenzae isolates to the antibiotics tested.

CONCLUSION

In vitro antibiotic resistance was common among presumed endophthalmitis isolates collected in the ARMOR surveillance study. These data could inform antibiotic selection for infection prophylaxis and/or treatment of intraocular infections.

Clinical Practice of Cataract Special Care Standards in Nonophthalmic Wards

Cataract is a lens metabolism disease, which is caused by various factors, and leads to metamorphic lens proteins turbidity. Cataract commonly occurs in elderly patients, and majority of these patients have clinical manifestations of blurred vision and other symptoms. In this study, we explored the clinical practice and observations of cataract care criteria in nonophthalmic wards. To realize this, a total of one hundred and twenty (120) cataract patients, admitted to the East Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, particularly from April 2019-2020, were divided into the control and observation groups, where 60 cases were added to each group. The control group received routine nursing, and observation group was treated with cataract care criteria based on the control group. The complication rate, health cognition, and patient's satisfaction were compared with existing approaches. The incidence of corneal edema, anterior chamber hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, and incision infection, specifically in the observation group, was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Likewise, the number of hospitalization days and expenses, specifically in the observation group, were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Health knowledge and satisfaction scores of the observation group were higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Active service, service attitude, psychological support, caring patients, and health education dissatisfaction rate of the observation group were lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Finally, the standard of cataract care in nonophthalmic wards reduces the incidence of complications, improve health awareness of patients, and help to improve satisfaction of patients with nurses. Furthermore, it is worthy of promotion and application particularly in traditional hospitals.

ENDOPHTHALMITIS IN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL REFERRAL CENTRE IN COLOMBIA: AETIOLOGY AND MICROBIAL RESISTANCE

AIMS

To describe the aetiology and microbial susceptibility profile of endophthalmitis cases treated at an ophthalmological referral centre in Colombia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study was carried out with all endophthalmitis cases referred to the Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander FOSCAL (Floridablanca, Colombia) from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2015.

RESULTS

121 eyes of 121 patients were evaluated. 77.7% of them were male and the mean age was 42.9 years. Five of them (4.1%) corresponded to endogenous endophthalmitis, and 116 (95.9%) to exogenous endophthalmitis. Of the latter, 66.9% were associated with trauma (almost one-half of them associated with intraocular foreign body), and 29.5% with intraocular surgery. The most common isolated microorganisms in the exogenous endophthalmitis group corresponded to methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, which were mostly susceptible to imipenem, vancomycin and moxifloxacin and resistant to ceftazidime.

CONCLUSION

Endophthalmitis is a potentially sight-threatening condition, especially in cases of inadequate treatment. Therefore, antimicrobial therapy should be guided by vitreous humour culture to assure that the causative microorganism is susceptible to the selected agent. The results of our study lead us to propose vancomycin, moxifloxacin or imipenem as first-line antimicrobial options.

Clinical features of endophthalmitis clusters after cataract surgery and practical recommendations to mitigate risk: systematic review

Intraocular transmission of exogenous pathogens in cataract surgery can lead to endophthalmitis. This review evaluates the features of endophthalmitis clusters secondary to pathogen transmission in cataract surgery. Articles reporting on pathogen transmission in cataract surgery were identified via searches of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL, and a total of 268 eyes from 24 studies were included. The most common source of infectious transmission was attributed to a contaminated intraocular solution (ie, irrigation solution, viscoelastic, or diluted antibiotic; n = 10). Visual acuity at presentation with infectious features was 1.89 logMAR (range: 1.35 to 2.58; ∼counting fingers) and 1.33 logMAR (range: 0.04 to 3.00; Snellen: ∼20/430) at last follow-up. Patients with diabetes had worse outcomes compared with patients without diabetes. The most frequently isolated pathogen from the infectious sources was Pseudomonas sp. (50.0%). This review highlights the various routes of pathogen transmission during cataract surgery and summarizes recommendations for the detection, prevention, and management of endophthalmitis clusters.

ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL MASKING

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rates of postintravitreal injection-related endophthalmitis during the COVID-19 pandemic with institution of both physician and patient face masking.

METHODS

All eyes receiving intravitreal injections of any kind from a single large tertiary retina practice in Houston, TX before (August 2017-March 22, 2020) and after (March 23, 2020-September 2020) COVID-19 pandemic universal masking protocols. The total number of injections and cases of acute injection-related endophthalmitis were determined from billing records and subsequent retrospective chart review. The primary outcome was the rate of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity, time until initial presentation, patient age, and differences in the overall number of injections performed monthly pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19.

RESULTS

A total of 134, 097 intravitreal injections were performed during the study period (111,679 pre-COVID-19 and 22,418 post-COVID-19 masking protocols). A total of 41 cases of acute endophthalmitis occurred in the pre-COVID group (0.04%, one in 2,500) and 7 cases in the post-COVID group (0.03%, one in 3,333) P = 0.85.

CONCLUSION

In this single center, retrospective study, the implementation of universal patient and physician masking as practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the rate of postintravitreal injection endophthalmitis.

CAUSES AND CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF MASQUERADE SYNDROMES IN INTRAOCULAR INFLAMMATORY DISEASES

OBJECTIVE

To identify the clinical characteristics and prevalence of neoplastic and nonneoplastic inflammatory masquerade syndromes (IMSs) in a tertiary center and determine the useful diagnostic tests.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive 1906 patients diagnosed with intraocular inflammatory disease.

RESULTS

Of all patients initially diagnosed with intraocular inflammatory disease, we identified 116 (6%) patients with noninflammatory causes (neoplastic IMSs in 36/116; 31% and nonneoplastic IMSs in 52/116; 45%). In addition, 26 patients (22%, 1.4% of all) had drug-induced uveitis and 2 (2%, 0.1% of all) had paraneoplastic uveitis. The large B-cell lymphoma was the most common neoplastic IMS (78%), and the major clinical features were presence of cells and floaters in the vitreous (69%) and chorioretinal lesions (33%). The causes of nonneoplastic IMSs included retinal vascular disorders (38%), hereditary retinal diseases (31%), and degenerative ocular disorders (19%). The common clinical manifestations consisted of chorioretinal scars (27%), small white-yellow retinal lesions (17%), and leaking vessels on fluorescein angiography (14%).

CONCLUSION

Noninflammatory causes were determined in 6% of a large population with initial diagnosis of intraocular inflammatory disease. Although neoplastic IMS was commonly characterized by vitreous cells and opacities, most common definitive diagnoses in nonneoplastic IMS encompassed diverse retinal disorders.

INFECTIOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER SCLERAL FIXATION OF AN INTRAOCULAR LENS

PURPOSE

To determine the mechanism of infection, clinical features, and risk factors of endophthalmitis after scleral fixation of an intraocular lens.

METHODS

We included 15 patients with infectious endophthalmitis after scleral fixation of an intraocular lens between April 2004 and December 2017, as well as four patients found through a literature search. Thus, a total of 19 patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 19 eyes, infectious endophthalmitis developed at a mean of 23 months (range: 1 day-10 years) after scleral fixation surgery. Nine eyes (47.4%) had early-onset endophthalmitis (≤6 weeks), and 10 eyes (52.6%) had delayed-onset endophthalmitis (>6 weeks). Eleven eyes (57.9%) had presumed microbial influx due to suture exposure. Those with delayed-onset endophthalmitis showed a higher rate of suture-related infection (80.0% vs. 33.3%) and culture of gram-negative bacteria (70.0% vs. 12.5%) than did those with early-onset endophthalmitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Infectious endophthalmitis can develop late after scleral fixation of an intraocular lens, usually related to the exposed sutures, and the visual prognosis is poor. Eyes that have sutured scleral fixation should be monitored regularly, and preventive measures should be performed if an exposed suture is found.