Optic neuritis with prolonged use of chloramphenicol: Case report and relationship to fundus changes in cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Treatment over a 4 1/2 month period with 135 Gm. of chloramphenicol resulted in loss ofvisual acuity to 5/400 secondary to optic neuritis in a 9-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas. Partial return of vision occurred after cessation of therapy and administration of large doses of B-complex vitamins. The suggestion is made that visual and fundal changes in cystic fibrosis may be directly and all but entirely related to prolonged use of chloramphenicol in the control of pulmonary complications in cystic fibrosis. Treatment over a 4 1/2 month period with 135 Gm. of chloramphenicol resulted in loss ofvisual acuity to 5/400 secondary to optic neuritis in a 9-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas. Partial return of vision occurred after cessation of therapy and administration of large doses of B-complex vitamins. The suggestion is made that visual and fundal changes in cystic fibrosis may be directly and all but entirely related to prolonged use of chloramphenicol in the control of pulmonary complications in cystic fibrosis.