Course Of Endophthalmitis Research Articles

Challenging course of endophthalmitis with corneal ulcer following cataract surgery: successful management and visual rehabilitation

Challenging course of endophthalmitis with corneal ulcer following cataract surgery: successful management and visual rehabilitation

Endophthalmitis: Epidemiology, Causing Agents, Therapy and Visual Outcome with Special Focus on Glaucoma Patients.

Endophthalmitis is one of the most serious emergencies in ophthalmology. In order to reduce its prevalence, it is important to have a proper understanding of potential risk. Surgical therapy with targeted, pathogen-specific medication and an intact immune system are fundamental for preserving visual acuity. As it is unclear whether an unfavourable course is more likely in the presence of underlying ocular disease, a comparison was made between glaucoma patients (G) and non-glaucoma patients (NG) in terms of causative factors, pathogens, treatment and visual acuity. Since a potential alteration of the local immune system in glaucoma has been described, it is of interest to determine whether the clinical course of endophthalmitis in glaucoma patients differ from that of non-glaucoma patients. A retrospective analysis of 75 eyes (13 G, 62 NG) who underwent treatment and surgery following a diagnosis of endophthalmitis in the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg has been evaluated over a period of 5 years. Clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, microbial spectrum and visual acuity in glaucoma and non-glaucoma eyes were investigated. Severe visual impairment (44%) with inflammation of the anterior chamber (62.7%), hypopyon (52%) and reduced (40%) or absent view (26.7%) of the fundus were predominantly present at first diagnosis in all patients. Previous eye surgery was observed in a total of 53%, primarily cataract surgery. Gram-positive cocci were seen as the most common causative agent in both groups, (G: 23.1%; NG: 38.7%), whereas other rare pathogens were present only in glaucomatous eyes. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 76% and enucleations in 20% of all patients, with the latter significantly more common in glaucomatous eyes (p = 0.01). A significant postoperative improvement in visual acuity was achieved in non-glaucoma patients (p < 0.001); visual acuity was worse in glaucomatous eyes. Although rare, early diagnosis and treatment of endophthalmitis is crucial in terms of prognosis. In the present cohort, worse visual acuity outcomes were obtained in glaucoma patients in comparison to non-glaucoma patients.

Role of Inflammation in Endophthalmitis

Inflammation originating from infection of the vitreous cavity is called endophthalmitis. Attention has been focused on the epidemiologic, microbiologic reports, and treatment options; unfortunately, the role of the host immune reaction in the visual function damage is still not well understood. Endophthalmitis occurs most frequently after cataract surgery. In this paper we review the published literature regarding inflammatory mediators and apoptosis during the course of endophthalmitis. Toll-like receptors, cytokines, high-mobility group box 1 proteins, aB-crystallin and apoptosis have been studied during clinical and experimental cases of endophthalmitis. Further understanding of the host-immune reaction to vitreous infection is essential for the development of new therapies. The use of intravitreal antibiotics and corticosteroids, vitrectomy and systemic antibiotics for the preservation of visual function is still discouraging.

Host/Parasite Interactions in Bacterial Endophthalmitis

Bacterial infections within the eye arise as complications of intraocular surgery, penetrating injury, or hematogenous spread from distant anatomical sites. Because: 1) the interior surfaces of the eye are lined with sensitive, nonregenerating tissues, 2) the inner chambers of the eye are relatively sequestered from circulating immunological components, 3) the integrity of blood-ocular barriers provides poor penetration of systemically administered antibiotics, and 4) aqueous and vitreous humor represent rich, relatively acellular culture media; endophthalmitis often progresses rapidly and total loss of vision frequently results. Years of clinical experience have shown that current therapies for endophthalmitis, including antimicrobials, antiinflammatory agents, and vitrectomy, are frequently unsuccessful in ameliorating destruction of intraocular tissues. While bacterial and host factors were thought to play key roles in the course and severity of endophthalmitis, it is only recently that their contributions have been experimentally defined. Molecular-based techniques are gaining increased use in the study of infectious eye diseases. Current findings regarding the host/parasite interactions within the eye are reviewed, and a resulting integrative model of the natural course of endophthalmitis proposed. A molecular-level understanding of the roles of both bacterial and host factors during endophthalmitis will likely reveal potential targets for therapeutic intervention aimed at salvaging vision.

Propionibacterium Acnes Endophthalmitis Seven Months After Extracapsular Cataract Extraction and Intraocular Lens Implantation

We present a case of endophthalmitis caused by Propionibacterium acnes seven months following extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. The markedly delayed clinical course of endophthalmitis associated with this organism appears to be highly stereotypical. Recognition and treatment of this complication of cataract surgery allows an excellent chance at cure.

Candida endophthalmitis in heroin addicts.

The clinical course of endophthalmitis, presumably due to Candida albicans, in nine eyes of heroin addicts is described. In six of the seven eyes in which pars plana vitrectomy was performed the diagnosis was confirmed by the cultivation of Candida albicans from the rinsing fluid. Both purely intraocular treatment and a combination of local and systemic antimycotic therapy caused the intraocular infection to disappear. In this small group of patients the results were most favourable when treatment was started early.

Endophthalmitis Following Staphylococcal Sepsis in Renal Failure Patients

Endophthalmitis occurred three months following completion of therapy for documented staphylococcal septicemia in two patients on long-term hemodialysis. The indolent course of the endophthalmitis, and its excellent response to systemic and subconjunctival antibiotics and subconjunctival and topical corticosteroid therapy, suggest the possibility that the acute fulminating clinical course of metastatic bacterial endophthalmitis may be modified in this population of patients. The reason for this modified clinical picture is probably the immune incompetence associated with uremia, which favors both the development of metastatic endophthalmitis as well as altering its clinical presentation. While funduscopic examination is suggested in all dialysis patients with eye complaints, this procedure becomes mandatory following episodes of sepsis.