Prevalencia de queratitis por exposición en pacientes en estado crítico

Abstract

IntroductionExposure keratopathy is a frequently found entity in critical patients that have, among other risk factors, lagophthalmos. Prevention can be achieved by applying low cost measures. PurposeTo know the prevalence of exposure keratopathy in critically ill patients. Material and methodsTransversal prevalence study that included 290 patients in critical state at High Specialty Medical Unit of Western National Medical Center. The prevalence of exposure keratopathy was analized, as well as the patients’ characteristics and risk factors. ResultsPrevalence of exposure keratopathy in the Intensive Care Unit was 12.5%, in Intensive Coronary Care Unit was 0.8% and Burn Unit 2%. ConclusionsBy applying prophylactic protocols to prevent exposure keratopathy we can achieve early detection and prevent its progress.