Coagulase-negative staphylococcal endophthalmitis: clinical severity and outcomes based on speciation

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify characteristics and visual outcomes of coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CoNS) endophthalmitis in the era after the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study. DesignSingle-centre retrospective analysis. ParticipantsForty-two samples from 40 patients with documented CoNS endophthalmitis. MethodsVisual acuity outcomes of CoNS endophthalmitis were assessed in relation to species and type of treatment instituted (i.e., pars plana vitrectomy [PPV] versus vitreous tap and injection of intravitreal antibiotics [T&I]) on 42 samples from 40 patients. ResultsStaphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent CoNS in our study. Cataract surgery and intravitreal injections were the most common sources for acute CoNS endophthalmitis. Eyes presenting with hand motion or better vision had similar mean final vision after either intravitreal antibiotics or PPV, whereas those with light perception or worse vision at onset had better outcomes after PPV only. Subanalysis showed that patients with S. epidermidis endophthalmitis (n = 39 eyes) had similar visual outcomes with either intravitreal injections or PPV regardless of visual acuity. Hypopyon and vitritis are not always present. ConclusionsPatients with S. epidermidis endophthalmitis may benefit similarly from either early vitrectomy or intravitreal antibiotic injections regardless of visual acuity. This finding may be a supplement to the complements the management standards set forth by the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study.