ESCRS study of prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

Effect of Eyelid Opener on Wound Closure Time in Cataract Surgery

Background: This study evaluates the effect of limiting eyelid opening on wound closure time and surgical outcomes during cataract surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included 129 patients who had undergone cataract surgery between December 2023 and March 2024. The patients were divided into two groups based on the degree of eyelid opening: full eyelid opening group (n = 78) and 1 mm eyelid opening group (n = 51). Wound closure time, total operation time, postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity (UCVA and BCVA, respectively), anterior chamber protein levels, and corneal endothelial cell loss were compared between the two groups. Results: The 1 mm eyelid opening group had a significantly shorter wound closure time (32.9 ± 11.2 s) compared with the full eyelid opening group (57.0 ± 21.3 s, p < 0.001), as well as reduced total operation time (547.5 ± 83.1 s vs. 606.9 ± 144 s, p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in the postoperative IOP, BCVA, UCVA, anterior chamber protein levels, or corneal endothelial cell loss between the groups. Conclusions: Limiting the eyelid opening to 1 mm from the corneal limbus during cataract surgery can reduce wound closure time and total operation time without compromising visual outcomes or corneal endothelial health. This simple adjustment may contribute to improved surgical efficiency.

Exploring the safety and feasibility of intracameral Aprokam® (cefuroxime sodium) in pediatric cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To describe the safety and assess the feasibility of using intracameral cefuroxime sodium (Aprokam®) during congenital cataract surgery as a preventive measure for endophthalmitis.

DESIGN

Monocentric, prospective, observational pilot study.

SETTING

San Giuseppe Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

STUDY POPULATION

Pediatric patients with a mean age of 21.4 ± 40.52 weeks with congenital cataracts. 65 eyes from 65 patients, i.e. only one eye for each patient was included in the study. At the end of the surgery, patients received the administration of intracameral Aprokam. The efficacy endpoint was assessed by excluding postoperative intra-ocular infections, while the safety endpoint was assessed by recording vital signs (body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate) and local effects (corneal edema, toxic anterior segment syndrome, presence of cells or fibrin formation in anterior chamber, intraocular pressure, conjunctival hyperemia) after the administration of the substance.

RESULTS

Aprokam intracameral administration at the end of the cataract surgery prevented the occurrence of intraocular infection in all of our patients. Among the analyzed systemic parameters, breath frequency was the only one showing a statistically significant increase after the drug delivery (∆(post-pre) 0.4 breaths/minute ± 1.74; p = 0.022). Regarding the local adverse effects, a statistically significant increase of intraocular pressure has been detected from the first week (∆7 days-1 day: 0.9 mmHg ± 2.28, p = 0.042), and remained constantly elevated in the first month. The presence of conjunctival hyperemia noticed in the first week after surgery showed a significant decrease over time, with a statistically significant reduction after one month (8 cases vs 0, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Intracameral administration of Aprokam in pediatric cataract surgery appears safe and promising as a preventive measure for post-operative endophthalmitis. It may be considered suitable for an optimal post-operative management of intra-ocular post-operative infections in congenital cataract surgery.

Endophthalmitis: a bibliometric study and visualization analysis from 1993 to 2023

Aims

This study is designed to generalize and depict the research hotspots of endophthalmitis through bibliometric methods and software and analyze the evolutive tendency of the work on this severe disease over the past 30 years.

Methods

This study employed a rigorous bibliometric approach. We identified all endophthalmitis-related literature by conducting a comprehensive search of the Science Citation Index Expanded database under the Web of Science Core Collection. The data was then analyzed and visualized using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, two widely recognized software tools in the field of bibliometrics. CiteSpace was used to analyze the country distributions, dual map overlay of journals, keyword bursts, and co-cited references. VOSviewer was employed to describe the authors and co-cited authors, the journals, the co-cited journals, and the keywords co-occurrence network. This robust methodology ensures the reliability and validity of the study's findings.

Results

A total of 2960 publications, including 2695 articles and 265 reviews, were included in this bibliometric study. There has been no shortage of endophthalmitis-related publications since 1993, with an apparent upward trend during recent years. Possible correlations with the COVID-19 pandemic are also analyzed. These studies were finished by 11,048 authors from 75 countries worldwide, with the United States in the lead. In the keyword co-occurrence network, except for the endophthalmitis term, cataract surgery becomes the keyword with the highest frequency. Different categories of endophthalmitis, including postoperative, post-injection, post-traumatic, and endogenous endophthalmitis, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapies of infectious endophthalmitis, are discussed by categories. From the perspective of the timeline, postoperative and post-injection endophthalmitis were the dominant forms before and after the year 2000, respectively. Co-citation analyses reveal that the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS) conducted in 1995 provides pivotal guidance for later research. Diverse pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Propionibacterium acnes, Viridians Streptococci, and Bacillus cereus) or fungi (e.g., Candida, Aspergillus, and Fusarium) contribute to varying treatment principles and clinical prognosis, which should be taken seriously. In addition, intravitreal and intracameral antibiotics are the mainstay for treating and preventing infectious endophthalmitis, respectively.

Conclusion

Our bibliometric analysis provides an overview of dynamic evolution and structural relationships in the research field of endophthalmitis. The displayed hotspots and developmental directions have reference values for future investigation.

Operational complexities in international clinical trials: a systematic review of challenges and proposed solutions

OBJECTIVE

International trials can be challenging to operationalise due to incompatibilities between country-specific policies and infrastructures. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the operational complexities of conducting international trials and identify potential solutions for overcoming them.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase and Health Management Information Consortium were searched from 2006 to 30 January 2023.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All studies reporting operational challenges (eg, site selection, trial management, intervention management, data management) of conducting international trials were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Search results were independently screened by at least two reviewers and data were extracted into a proforma.

RESULTS

38 studies (35 RCTs, 2 reports and 1 qualitative study) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The median sample size was 1202 (IQR 332-4056) and median number of sites was 40 (IQR 13-78). 88.6% of studies had an academic sponsor and 80% were funded through government sources. Operational complexities were particularly reported during trial set-up due to lack of harmonisation in regulatory approvals and in relation to sponsorship structure, with associated budgetary impacts. Additional challenges included site selection, staff training, lengthy contract negotiations, site monitoring, communication, trial oversight, recruitment, data management, drug procurement and distribution, pharmacy involvement and biospecimen processing and transport.

CONCLUSIONS

International collaborative trials are valuable in cases where recruitment may be difficult, diversifying participation and applicability. However, multiple operational and regulatory challenges are encountered when implementing a trial in multiple countries. Careful planning and communication between trials units and investigators, with an emphasis on establishing adequately resourced cross-border sponsorship structures and regulatory approvals, may help to overcome these barriers and realise the benefits of the approach. OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK REGISTRATION NUMBER: osf-registrations-yvtjb-v1.

Moxifloxacin Liposomes: Effect of Liposome Preparation Method on Physicochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis

The aim of this study was the development of optimal sustained-release moxifloxacin (MOX)-loaded liposomes as intraocular therapeutics of endophthalmitis. Two methods were compared for the preparation of MOX liposomes; the dehydration–rehydration (DRV) method and the active loading method (AL). Numerous lipid-membrane compositions were studied to determine the potential effect on MOX loading and retention in liposomes. MOX and phospholipid contents were measured by HPLC and a colorimetric assay for phospholipids, respectively. Vesicle size distribution and surface charge were measured by DLS, and morphology was evaluated by cryo-TEM. The AL method conferred liposomes with higher MOX encapsulation compared to the DRV method for all the lipid compositions used. Cryo-TEM showed that both liposome types had round vesicular structure and size around 100–150 nm, while a granular texture was evident in the entrapped aqueous compartments of most AL liposomes, but substantially less in DRV liposomes; X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated slight crystallinity in AL liposomes, especially the ones with highest MOX encapsulation. AL liposomes retained MOX for significantly longer time periods compared to DRVs. Lipid composition did not affect MOX release from DRV liposomes but significantly altered drug loading/release in AL liposomes. Interestingly, AL liposomes demonstrated substantially higher antimicrobial potential towards S. epidermidis growth and biofilm susceptibility compared to corresponding DRV liposomes, indicating the importance of MOX retention in liposomes on their activity. In conclusion, the liposome preparation method/type determines the rate of MOX release from liposomes and modulates their antimicrobial potential, a finding that deserves further in vitro and in vivo exploitation.

Acute macular edema and serous detachment on the first day after phacoemulsification surgery: A case report

Purpose

To report a case of an acute macular edema with serous retinal detachment on the first day after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery with the use of a standard dose of intracameral cefuroxime at the end of the surgery.

Observations

A 46-year-old man underwent a technically uneventful right eye phacoemulsification surgery using a standard dose (1mg/0.1mL) of cefuroxime solution injected into the anterior chamber at the end of the surgery. Serous macular edema and detachment were in our case observed on the first post-operative day. Without surgical intervention fast clinical recovery was observed and best corrected visual acuity improved to the final visual outcome of 1.0, which was satisfactory 10 days after surgery.

Conclusions and Importance

Acute serous macular detachment and edema should be considered in cases of poor visual acuity in the early postoperative period. The role of a standard dose of cefuroxime toxicity should be more widely explored and discussed.

Hydration of small leaking corneal perforations with cefuroxime

PURPOSE

To describe a new technique for sealing small corneal perforations after penetrating trauma.

METHODS

Corneal perforations in six eyes were sealed using a stromal cefuroxime hydration technique. This technique is identical to the current method used to seal leaking incisions upon completion of cataract surgery except for the use of cefuroxime instead of balanced salt solution. Additionally, cefuroxime was intentionally injected into the anterior chamber. A therapeutic contact lens was used after the hydration. Comparison was made in eight eyes with small traumatic corneal perforation that was sealed using therapeutic contact lenses without hydration.

RESULTS

This novel technique was applied in six cases, with leakage stopping immediately following hydration in each of these eyes. In cases presenting with a shallow or flat anterior chamber, this maneuver produced immediate reformation of the chamber. Of note, the corneal scars after hydration were minimal with little effect on visual acuity. When compared to eyes with small corneal perforations which were sealed with therapeutic contact lenses without hydration, all cases that were hydrated with cefuroxime were sealed immediately, as opposed to cases treated without hydration. Furthermore, the eyes that underwent hydration with cefuroxime had a worse average visual acuity on admission, a better average visual acuity 1 month post-trauma, and a shorter average length of hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

This new technique offers five major advantages: (1) Immediate sealing of the corneal perforation is achieved. (2) Definitive treatment can be achieved at the slit lamp. (3) Since neither stitches nor glue is applied, healing is achieved with minimal scarring and discomfort. (4) Little equipment is required. (5) Injection of cefuroxime into the anterior chamber provides prophylaxis against infection.

Epidemiology and outcomes of Endophthalmitis in chronic dialysis patients: a 13-year experience in a tertiary referral center in Taiwan

Background

Endophthalmitis is a severe eye infection leading to disabling outcome. Because there were only a few case report illustrating endophthalmitis in chronic dialysis patient, we would like to investigate the epidemiology and clinical features of endophthalmitis in chronic dialysis patient in a tertiary referral center.

Methods

We searched the health information system in the study hospital with ICD9 encoding endophthalmitis during Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2015. A total of 32 episodes of endophthalmitis occurred in chronic dialysis patients. We performed an 1:2 case-control match on propensity score. The demographic features, clinical manifestation, infection focus and visual outcome were recorded.

Results

Of the total of 32 patients, 25 were classified as endogenous endophthalmitis and another seven were exogenous. Most patients presented with ophthalmalgia (n = 32, 100%) and periocular swelling (n = 31, 96.8%), whereas half of the patients suffered blurred vision (n = 16, 50%). Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most frequent causative pathogens. Dialysis vascular infection was also a possible unique focus for bacteremia. The visual acuity of the endogenous groups were less likely to improve in the chronic dialysis patients compared with control group.

Conclusion

This is the first and the largest case series focusing on endophthalmitis in chronic dialysis patients. Our study showed different pathogen spectrum, an unique bacterial origin and worse visual outcome in these group of patients. Prompt referral to ophthalmologists when the patients present with suspicious symptoms (blurred vision, ophthalmalgia and periocular swelling) is crucial.

Perioperative antibiotics for prevention of acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

BACKGROUND

Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation of the anterior or posterior (or both) chambers of the eye that may be sterile or associated with infection. It is a potentially vision-threatening complication of cataract surgery. Prophylactic measures for endophthalmitis are targeted against various sources of infection.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for endophthalmitis following cataract surgery compared with no prophylaxis or other form of prophylaxis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2016, Issue 12), Ovid MEDLINE, Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily (January 1946 to December 2016), Embase (January 1980 to December 2016), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (1982 to December 2016),the ISRCTN registry (www.isrctn.com/editAdvancedSearch), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov), and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We used no date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 6 December 2016. We also searched for additional studies that cited any included trials using the Science Citation Index.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials that enrolled adults undergoing cataract surgery (any method and incision type) for lens opacities due to any origin. We included trials that evaluated preoperative antibiotics, intraoperative (intracameral, subconjunctival or systemic), or postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for acute endophthalmitis. We excluded studies that evaluated antiseptic preoperative preparations using agents such as povidone iodine or antibiotics for treating acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently reviewed abstracts and full-text articles for eligibility, assessed the risk of bias for each included study, and abstracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Five studies met the inclusion criteria for this review, including 101,005 adults and 132 endophthalmitis cases. While the sample size was very large, the heterogeneity of the study designs and modes of antibiotic delivery made it impossible to conduct a formal meta-analysis. Interventions investigated included the utility of adding vancomycin and gentamycin to the irrigating solution compared with standard balanced saline solution irrigation alone, use of intracameral cefuroxime with or without topical levofloxacin perioperatively, periocular penicillin injections and topical chloramphenicol-sulfadimidine drops compared with topical antibiotics alone, and mode of antibiotic delivery (subconjunctival versus retrobulbar injections; fixed versus separate instillation of gatifloxacin and prednisolone). The risk of bias among studies was low to unclear due to information not being reported. We identified one ongoing study.Two studies compared any antibiotic with no antibiotic. One study, which compared irrigation with antibiotics in balanced salt solution (BSS) versus BSS alone, was not sufficiently powered to detect differences in endophthalmitis between groups (very low-certainty evidence). One study found reduced risk of endophthalmitis when combining intracameral cefuroxime and topical levofloxacin (risk ratio (RR) 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.63; 8106 participants; high-certainty evidence) or using intracameral cefuroxime alone (RR 0.21, CI 0.06 to 0.74; 8110 participants; high-certainty evidence) compared with placebo, and an uncertain effect when using topical levofloxacin alone compared with placebo (RR 0.72, CI 0.32 to 1.61; 8103 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).Two studies found reduced risk of endophthalmitis when combining antibiotic injections during surgery and topical antibiotics compared with topical antibiotics alone (risk ratio (RR) 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12 to 0.92 (periocular penicillin and topical chloramphenicol-sulfadimidine; 6618 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); and RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.91 (intracameral cefuroxime and topical levofloxacin; 8101 participants; high-certainty evidence)).One study, which compared fixed versus separate instillation of gatifloxacin and prednisolone, was not sufficiently powered to detect differences in endophthalmitis between groups (very low-certainty evidence). Another study found no evidence of a difference in endophthalmitis when comparing subconjunctival versus retrobulbar antibiotic injections (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.32; 77,015 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).Two studies reported any visual acuity outcome; one study, which compared fixed versus separate instillation of gatifloxacin and prednisolone, reported only that mean visual acuity was the same for both groups at 20 days postoperation. In the other study, the difference in the proportion of eyes with final visual acuity greater than 20/40 following endophthalmitis between groups receiving intracameral cefuroxime with or without topical levofloxacin compared with no intracameral cefuroxime was uncertain (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.22 to 2.11; 29 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).Only one study reported adverse events (1 of 129 eyes had pupillary membrane in front of the intraocular lens and 8 eyes showed posterior capsule opacity). No study reported outcomes related to quality of life or economic outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Multiple measures for preventing endophthalmitis following cataract surgery have been studied. High-certainty evidence shows that injection with cefuroxime with or without topical levofloxacin lowers the chance of endophthalmitis after surgery, and there is moderate-certainty evidence to suggest that using antibiotic eye drops in addition to antibiotic injection probably lowers the chance of endophthalmitis compared with using injections or eye drops alone. Clinical trials with rare outcomes require very large sample sizes and are quite costly to conduct; thus, it is unlikely that many additional clinical trials will be conducted to evaluate currently available prophylaxis. Practitioners should rely on current evidence to make informed decisions regarding prophylaxis choices.

Pathogens and antibiotic sensitivities in endophthalmitis

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic prophylaxis in cataract surgery is intended to minimize endophthalmitis. We describe pathogenic organisms, antibiotic sensitivities and antibiotic prophylaxis in culture-proven endophthalmitis cases.

DESIGN

Retrospective consecutive case series and community-based setting were used.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred fifteen cases of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery performed during 2007-2012 in Kaiser Permanente, California.

METHODS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Descriptive analysis of isolated organisms and antibiotic sensitivities in relation to antibiotic prophylaxis in culture-proven endophthalmitis cases.

RESULTS

The majority of culture-confirmed organisms (n = 83) were Gram positive (96%), most notably coagulase-negative Staphylococci (n = 34, 52%), of which all that underwent testing were sensitive to vancomycin (n = 32). Among 19 cases that had received only topical antibiotic prophylaxis, seven (37%) were resistant to the antibiotic given: 50% of cases (5 of 10 isolates) that had received ofloxacin were resistant to this antibiotic, 40% (2 of 5 isolates) that had received gatifloxacin were resistant. In contrast, 100% of cases (n = 4) that had received aminoglycosides were susceptible. Few culture-confirmed cases occurred in patients who received intracameral antibiotic (n = 4).

CONCLUSIONS

In cases where fluoroquinolones were administered as antibiotic prophylaxis, isolates demonstrated a degree of bacterial resistance. The majority of endophthalmitis cases isolated occured following topical antibiotic prophylaxis only and were attributed to Gram-positive organisms, while few occurred in association with intracameral antibiotic.

An updated estimate of costs of endophthalmitis following cataract surgery among Medicare patients: 2010-2014

BACKGROUND

Endophthalmitis, which can occur after ophthalmic surgery, is an inflammation of the intraocular cavity and causes temporary or permanent vision impairment. However, little is known about the cost of treatment. The objective of this analysis was to update and expand upon the results of a previously published report that estimated the direct medical cost of treatment for endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Retrospective data analysis using 2010 through 2014 United States Medicare Limited Data Sets. Procedure codes were used to identify beneficiaries who underwent cataract surgery; demographic and clinical characteristics at the time of diagnosis were determined. Patients were stratified into cases (those who developed endophthalmitis) and controls (those who did not develop endophthalmitis) in the 3 months following surgery. Claims (ie, charges) and reimbursements (ie, costs) for cases and controls in the 6 months following cataract surgery were identified and compared. Results are presented in 2015 US dollars.

RESULTS

Of a total of 153,860 cataract surgery patients, 181 were diagnosed with endophthalmitis following cataract surgery, at a rate of 1.2 per 1,000. Cases were more likely to be male and less likely to be white than controls; age was similar. Total medical claims and reimbursements as well as ophthalmic claims and reimbursements were significantly higher for cases compared with controls. Total reimbursements, adjusted for age, sex, and region, were $4,893 higher (83% greater) and adjusted ophthalmic reimbursements were $3,002 higher (156% greater) for cases than for controls. Claims and reimbursements were significantly higher across all types of Medicare cost components.

CONCLUSION

Postcataract surgery endophthalmitis is associated with a substantial cost. Successful prophylaxis with antibiotic agents would reduce the significant costs associated with treating endophthalmitis.

Antibiotic prevention of postcataract endophthalmitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Endophthalmitis is one of the most feared complications after cataract surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of intracameral and topical antibiotics on the prevention of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. A systematic literature review in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases revealed one randomized trial and 17 observational studies concerning the prophylactic effect of intracameral antibiotic administration on the rate of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. The effect of topical antibiotics on endophthalmitis rate was reported by one randomized trial and one observational study. The quality and design of the included studies were analysed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. We found high-to-moderate quality evidence for a marked reduction in the risk of endophthalmitis with the use of intracameral antibiotic administration of cefazolin, cefuroxime and moxifloxacin, whereas no effect was found with the use of topical antibiotics or intracameral vancomycin. Endophthalmitis occurred on average in one of 2855 surgeries when intracameral antibiotics were used compared to one of 485 surgeries when intracameral antibiotics were not used. The relative risk (95% CI) of endophthalmitis was reduced to 0.12 (0.08; 0.18) when intracameral antibiotics were used. The difference was highly significant (p < 0.00001). Intracameral antibiotic therapy is the best choice for preventing endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. We did not find evidence to conclude that topical antibiotic therapy prevents endophthalmitis.

Perioperative prophylaxis for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in iran

Purpose:

To describe prophylactic patterns employed against endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in Iran.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 486 ophthalmologists filling in a self-administered questionnaire during the 20^th Annual Congress of the Iranian Society of Ophthalmology in December 2010, Tehran, working in both private and academic medical centers. Prophylactic measures used preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively and self-reported rates of endophthalmitis were assessed as the main outcome measurements.

Results:

In the preoperative phase, 75.5% of surgeons used povidone-iodine in the conjunctival sac and 71.4% of them did not use antibiotics. The rate of intraoperative prophylaxis was 61.9% either in the form of intracameral antibiotics or subconjunctival injection (mostly cephazolin or gentamicin). Only 7.8% of participants used intracameral cephalosporins. Postoperative antibiotics [mostly chloramphenicol (57%) and ciprofloxacin (28%)] were used by 94.2% of surgeons. On average, ten years of practice were required to observe one case of endophthalmitis.

Conclusion:

The surgeons in present setting used various prophylactic regimens against endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Setting a local and evidence-based clinical practice guideline seems necessary.

[Ocular toxicity of intracamerally injected antibacterial and antifungal drugs (experimental and morphological study)]

OBJECTIVE

To study anterior eye segment toxicity of variously diluted brand name and generic antibiotic and antifungal drugs, including domestically produced generics (Moxifloxacin, asketin cefuroxime, amikacin, gentamicin, Diflucan, and amphotericin B), experimentally injected into the anterior chamber.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 13 Chinchilla rabbits were included in the experiment. Group 1 (6 rabbits) received sterile intracameral injections of 0.2 ml antibiotics and antifungals in concentrations suitable for intravenous administration (Moxifloxacin 1.6 mg/ml, Diflucan 2 mg/ml, and the following generics: asketin cefuroxime 125 mg/ml, amikacin 50 mg/ml, gentamicin 40 mg/ml, amphotericin B 50 mg/m). BSS was injected into the fellow eye for control. Group 2 (7 rabbits) also received sterile intracameral injections of 0.2 ml antibiotics and antifungals, which were the same as for group 1 but highly diluted (Moxifloxacin 150 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml, Diflucan 10 μg/ml, asketin cefuroxime 1 mg/ml, gentamicin 200 μg/ml, amikacin 400 μg/ml, amphotericin B 10 μg/ml).

RESULTS

There were no toxic effects in group 1 after BSS and Moxifloxacin 1.6 mg/ml injections into the anterior chamber. However, high concentrations of other antibiotic and antifungal drugs were associated with changes in the corneal endothelium of various severity (from cytoplasmic swelling of the endothelial cells to their complete desquamation), as well as fibrin exudation in the posterior chamber. In group 2 neither of injected drugs caused toxic, allergic, or inflammatory reactions according to histopathological examination.

CONCLUSION

The experiment proved safety of the intracameral route of administration for highly diluted medications from the list and also demonstrated the absence of toxic reaction after intracameral injection of Moxifloxacin 1.6 mg/ml.

Endophthalmitis prophylaxis in cataract surgery: overview of current practice patterns in 9 European countries

Data on practice patterns for prophylaxis against infectious postoperative endophthalmitis (IPOE) during cataract surgery in 9 European countries were searched in national registers and reviews of published surveys. Summary reports assessed each nation's IPOE rates, nonantibiotic prophylactic routines, topical and intracameral antibiotic use, and coherence to the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) 2007 guidelines. Although the reliability and completeness of available data vary between countries, the results show that IPOE rates differ significantly. Asepsis routines with povidone-iodine and postoperative topical antibiotics are generally adopted. Use of preoperative and perioperative topical antibiotics as well as intracameral cefuroxime varies widely between and within countries. Five years after publication of the ESCRS guidelines, there is no consensus on intracameral cefuroxime use. Major obstacles include legal barriers or persisting controversy about the scientific rationale for systematic intracameral cefuroxime use in some countries and, until recently, lack of a commercially available preparation.

[Beta-lactamic antibiotics allergy in cataract surgery. Prevalence and preoperative characteristics of allergic patients]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the proportion of patients allergic to β-lactam antibiotics and the prevalence of preoperative conjunctival bacteria among those undergoing cataract surgery in our area.

METHOD

Retrospective cross-sectional study of prevalence of β-lactam allergic patients consecutively scheduled for cataract surgery from 11 July 2005 to November 2012. For studying the prevalence of conjunctival bacteria and clinical characteristics in the patients' preoperative examination, those under 18 years and those with cataract surgery combined with other eye surgeries were excluded. Data from the first preoperative examination of the remaining patients were selected. Clinical data were extracted from the database generated in the evaluation made for anesthetic purposes, and the microbiological data from the laboratory database. Both bases were linked through a patient history code. A comparison was made between the prevalence of conjunctival bacteria and clinical characteristics in allergic and non-allergic patients.

RESULTS

From 12,409 adults selected for the bacteriological study, 862 (6.96%) were allergic to β-lactams, their mean age (74.45 years) was higher than that of the non-allergic (P=.005). The proportion of women (71.4%) in the allergic patient group was much higher than that of men. The prevalence of pathogenic bacteria (especially Bacillus spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), lung disease and heart failure, was higher in allergic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of allergy to β-lactams in this study is within the range described in other populations. The higher prevalence of pathogenic bacteria and the predominance of women in those allergic to β-lactams are useful data to guide their surgical prophylaxis.

[Spectrum and susceptibility of preoperative conjunctival bacteria]

PURPOSE

To describe the conjunctival bacterial spectrum of our patients undergoing intraocular surgery and their antibiotic sensitivity during the study period.

METHODS

A retrospective study of preoperative conjunctival culture of patients consecutively scheduled for intraocular surgery from 21 February 2011 to 1 April 2013. Specimens were directly seeded onto blood-agar and MacConkey-agar (aerobiosis incubation, 2 days), and on chocolate-agar (6% CO2 incubation, 7 days). The identified bacteria were divided into 3 groups according to their origin; the bacteria susceptibility tests were performed on those more pathogenic and on some of the less pathogenic when more than 5 colonies were isolated. The sensitivity of the exigent growing bacteria was obtained with disk diffusion technique, and for of the non-exigent bacteria by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration. The Epidat 3.1 program was used for statistical calculations.

RESULTS

A total of 13,203 bacteria were identified in 6,051 cultures, with 88.7% being typical colonizers of conjunctiva (group 1), 8.8% typical of airways (group 2), and the remaining 2.5% of undetermined origin (group 3). 530 cultures (8.8%) were sterile. The sensitivity of group 1 was: 99% vancomycin, 95% rifampicin, 87% chloramphenicol, 76% tetracycline. Levels of co-trimoxazole, aminoglycosides, quinolones, β-lactams and macrolides decreased since 2007. The group 2 was very sensitive to chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanate. In group 3, to levofloxacin 93%, ciprofloxacin 89%, tobramycin 76%, but ceftazidime 53% and cefuroxime 29% decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the tested antibiotics could eradicate all possible conjunctival bacteria. Bacteria living permanently on the conjunctiva (group 1) have achieved higher resistance than the eventual colonizers.

Intracameral cefuroxime: prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

Results of the landmark European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons trial and additional prospective and retrospective studies support the use of intracameral cefuroxime in the prophylaxis of endophthalmitis following cataract surgery. Prophylaxis with intracameral cefuroxime at the recommended dose appears to be well tolerated in patients undergoing cataract surgery. However, off-label use of intracameral cefuroxime usually requires a two-step dilution process with the potential for dilution errors, and there are also concerns regarding the risk of contamination. Aprokam® (intracameral cefuroxime) has been approved in the EU for the prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. After reconstitution of Aprokam®, no further dilution is required and each vial is only indicated for single-patient use; this has the potential to reduce the risk of both dilution errors and contamination.

Perioperative antibiotics for prevention of acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

BACKGROUND

Endophthalmitis is a severe inflammation of the anterior and/or posterior chambers of the eye that may be sterile or associated with infection. It is a potentially vision-threatening complication of cataract surgery. Prophylactic measures for endophthalmitis are targeted against various sources of infection.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to evaluate the effects of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 10), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE, (January 1950 to October 2012), EMBASE (January 1980 to October 2012), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS) (January 1982 to October 2012), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 25 October 2012. We also searched for additional studies that cited any included trials using the Science Citation Index.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials that enrolled adults undergoing cataract surgery (any method and incision type) for lens opacities due to any origin. Trials that evaluated preoperative antibiotics, intraoperative (intracameral, subconjunctival or systemic) or postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for acute endophthalmitis were included. We did not include studies that evaluated antiseptic preoperative preparations using agents such as povidone iodine, nor did we include studies that evaluated antibiotics for treating acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently reviewed abstracts and full-text articles for eligibility, assessed the risk of bias for each included study, and abstracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Four studies met the inclusion criteria for this review, including 100,876 adults and 131 endophthalmitis cases. While the sample size is very large, the heterogeneity of the study designs and modes of antibiotic delivery made it impossible to conduct a formal meta-analysis. Interventions investigated in the studies included the utility of adding vancomycin and gentamycin to the irrigating solution compared with standard balanced saline solution irrigation alone, use of intracameral cefuroxime and/or topical levofloxacin perioperatively, periocular penicillin injections and topical chloramphenicol-sulphadimidine drops compared with topical antibiotics alone, and mode of antibiotic delivery (subconjunctival versus retrobulbar injections). Two studies with adequate sample sizes to evaluate a rare outcome found reduced risk of endophthalmitis with antibiotic injections during surgery compared with topical antibiotics alone: risk ratio (RR) 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12 to 0.92 (periocular penicillin versus topical chloramphenicol-sulphadimidine) and RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.74 (intracameral cefuroxime versus topical levofloxacin). Another study found no significant difference in endophthalmitis when comparing subconjunctival versus retrobulbar antibiotic injections (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.32). The fourth study which compared irrigation with balanced salt solution (BSS) alone versus BSS with antibiotics was not sufficiently powered to detect differences in endophthalmitis between groups. The risk of bias among studies was low to unclear due to information not being reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Multiple measures for preventing endophthalmitis following cataract surgery have been studied. One of the included studies, the ESCRS (European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons) study, was performed using contemporary surgical technique and employed cefuroxime, an antibiotic commonly used in many parts of the world. Clinical trials with rare outcomes require very large sample sizes and are quite costly to conduct; thus, it is unlikely that additional clinical trials will be conducted to evaluate currently available prophylaxis. Practitioners should rely on current evidence to make informed decisions regarding prophylaxis choices.

Topical azithromycin or ofloxacin for endophthalmitis prophylaxis after intravitreal injection

BACKGROUND

The number of patients who have undergone intravitreal injections has increased enormously in recent years, but a consensus is still lacking on prophylaxis for endophthalmitis. The aim of this prospective, observational study was to evaluate the prophylactic effect of azithromycin eye drops versus ofloxacin eye drops.

METHODS

The study was conducted in five hospitals in Spain and included all patients undergoing intravitreal injections of triamcinolone, bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or pegaptanib over one year. Patients received azithromycin 15 mg/g eye drops (twice daily on the day prior to injection and for another 2 days) or ofloxacin 3 mg/g eye drops (every 6 hours on the day prior to injection and for another 7 days).

RESULTS

In the azithromycin group, there were 4045 injections in 972 eyes of 701 patients. In the ofloxacin group, there were 4151 injections in 944 eyes of 682 patients. There were two cases of endophthalmitis (0.049%) in the azithromycin group and five (0.12%) in the ofloxacin group. The odds ratio of presenting with endophthalmitis in the ofloxacin group compared with the azithromycin group was 2.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-3.72, P < 0.001). There were two cases of noninfectious uveitis after triamcinolone injection in the azithromycin group (0.049%) and two (0.048%) in the ofloxacin group; no significant differences were observed (odds ratio 0.902, 95% CI 0.622-1.407, P = 0.407). Conjunctival hyperemia was observed in 12 cases in the azithromycin group and none in the ofloxacin group.

CONCLUSION

The risk of endophthalmitis was significantly greater with ofloxacin than with azithromycin. These findings provide a valuable addition to the ever-increasing pool of information on endophthalmitis prophylaxis after intravitreal injection, although further large-scale studies are required to provide definitive conclusions.

Comparison of bursting pressure after scleral tunnel incision sealed with sutures or an adherent ocular bandage in human globes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficiency of a hydrogel adherent ocular bandage for sealing of scleral tunnel incisions in human eye globes.

METHODS

A 4-mm scleral tunnel incision was made in each of 10 globes and bursting pressure was measured using the Seidel test to check for wound leakage. Globes were sealed using either two interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures (n = 5) or an adherent ocular bandage in the form of polyethylene glycol hydrogel (n = 5). Bursting pressure was then measured for a second time.

RESULTS

Bursting pressure was significantly higher after wound sealing in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in bursting pressure between the two groups before or after sealing.

CONCLUSIONS

The adherent ocular bandage successfully protected the incision in ex vivo human globes immediately after surgery, with a sealing efficiency comparable to two nylon sutures, suggesting that it is a safe and effective alternative to conventional suturing.

Preoperative Antisepsis With Povidone-Iodine 5% in Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of povidone-iodine (PI) 5% as the only preoperative antiseptic in cataract surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective interventional case series.

METHODS

Fifty patients undergoing phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia in an outpatient surgery setting in a teaching hospital participated in the study. The preoperative antiseptic regimen consisted of instillation into the conjunctival sac and periorbital scrub with PI 5%. No topical antibiotic was given. Eyelid margin swabs were obtained for bacteriological culture before and after PI antisepsis and at the conclusion of surgery. The number of bacterial species isolated was compared with the Wilcoxon test. Anterior chamber aspirates were taken immediately before and after surgery to determine the rate of contamination.

RESULTS

Bacteria were isolated from the eyelid margins of 48 patients (96%; 95% exact confidence interval, 86.3%-99.5%) before surgery, from the eyelid margins of 28 patients (56%) after antisepsis with PI 5%, and from the eyelid margins of 26 patients (56%; 95% exact confidence interval, 41.3%-70.0%) at the conclusion of surgery. The reduction of positive eyelid margin culture was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Anterior chamber aspirates were positive in 3 patients. One patient with negative growth from anterior chamber aspirates developed culture-negative postoperative endophthalmitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Because 56% of eyelids still have positive culture after PI 5% antisepsis, it might not be relied on as the sole preoperative antiseptic measure. Meticulous surgical technique, together with other modalities of preoperative and intraoperative antisepsis, should be used to prevent postoperative endophthalmitis.

Results at seven years after the use of intracamerular cefazolin as an endophthalmitis prophylaxis in cataract surgery

Background

To evaluate results after seven years using prophylactic intracameral cefazolin for the prevention of endophthalmitis in cataract surgery.

Methods

A prospective, observational study of all patients submitted to cataract surgery over the period January 1996 to December 2009. All cases of postoperative endophthalmitis over that period were reviewed. The patients were classified in two groups: Group 1 (11,696 patients) operated on between January 1996 and December 2002, Group 2 (13,305 patients) between January 2003 and December 2009 (in whom a 1 mg/0.1 bolus of intracameral cefazolin was instilled).

Results

During the study period, 76 cases of endophthalmitis were observed in Group 1, and seven in Group 2. The rate of postoperative endophthalmitis reduced from 0.63% to 0.05% with a cefazolin injection. The relative risk (RR) for endophthalmitis in Group 1 against group 2 was 11.45 [95% CI 5.72-22.84, p < 0.001].

Conclusions

An intracameral bolus injection of cefazolin (1 mg in 0.1 ml solution) at the conclusion of the cataract surgery significantly reduced the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis.

[Prophylaxis and therapy of postoperative endophthalmitis. Criticism of the ESCRS study and the Early Vitrectomy study]

Postoperative endophthalmitis often leads to a substantial loss of vision and sometimes to loss of the eye. Occasionally this results in legal disputes during which medical studies will be consulted for reaching a verdict. Both the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) study on prophylaxis and the Early Vitrectomy study on the therapy of postoperative endophthalmitis suffer from substantial deficits in essential areas. These studies cannot therefore be utilized as standard operating procedures and guidelines as well as in legal disputes.

Ocular toxicity after intracameral injection of very high doses of cefuroxime during cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To report cases of intraocular inflammation after intracameral injection of a very high dose of cefuroxime at the end of uneventful cataract surgery.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France.

DESIGN

Case series.

METHODS

Patients were followed on an outpatient basis and were examined postoperatively at 1 and 5 days and 6 weeks. Central macular thickness, angiography, central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD), and electroretinography (ERG) were analyzed to evaluate ocular toxicity.

RESULTS

One day postoperatively, the mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 0.95 logMAR ± 0.40 (SD). All the cases had moderate anterior inflammation. Retinal optical coherence tomography scans systematically showed extensive macular edema (mean 843.2 ± 212.7 μm) associated with a large serous retinal detachment. Fluorescein angiograms showed diffuse leakage without abnormal retinal perfusion. At 5 days, the mean CDVA improved significantly to 0.52 ± 0.29 logMAR (P < .005), as did the macular edema and serous retinal detachment (mean 339.4 ± 138.3 μm) (P = .005). At 6 weeks, the mean CDVA reached 0.09 ± 0.06 logMAR. Modifications in CCT and ECD were similar to those observed after uneventful phacoemulsification. The macular thickness (mean 288.4 ± 22.6 μm) and profile returned to normal in all patients, although ERG recordings showed reduced rod photoreceptor cell function (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Intracameral injection of high doses of cefuroxime induced anterior and posterior inflammation. Without surgical intervention, the final visual outcome was satisfactory in all cases. Long-term retinal function, however, must be assessed through repeated ERG recordings.

Comparison of the influence of intracameral gentamicin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin on the corneal endothelium in a rabbit model

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of three intracameral antibiotics, gentamicin (GM), gatifloxacin (GFLX), and moxifloxacin (MFLX), on the rabbit corneal endothelium.

METHODS

Twenty-four eyes from 18 rabbits were used. In the GM treatment group of 12 eyes, a dose of 20 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml, 200 μg/ml, or 20 μg/ml of GM was injected into the anterior chamber. In the GFLX and MFLX treatment groups were injected into the anterior chamber of three eyes. The central corneal thickness was measured. The eyes were then enucleated for observation under scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Three days after the intracameral injection, a significant difference in central corneal thickness was found between the GM 20 mg/ml group and the control group (P < 0.05), but not between any other groups. The damage rate at the endothelial cell level was 67% in the GM 20 mg/ml group, 56% in the GM 2 mg/ml group, 33% in the GM 200 μg/ml group, 22% in the GM 20 μg/ml group, 22% in the GFLX group, and 0% in the MFLX group.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracameral GFLX or MFLX was almost nontoxic to the rabbit corneal endothelium, in contrast to the toxic results of intracameral GM 20 and 2 mg/ml.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography evaluation of the integrity of clear corneal incisions: a comparison between 2.2-mm and 2.65-mm main incisions

PURPOSE

To compare wound characteristics and integrity of the 2.2-mm and 2.65-mm clear corneal incisions.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Patients undergoing phacoemulsification with lens implant were randomized to receive a 2.2-mm or 2.65-mm temporal clear corneal incision. The incisions were evaluated at 2, 24, and 96 hours for gape and wound architecture using anterior segment optical coherence tomography and for integrity using the Seidel test. Squareness of an incision was calculated (ratio of the incision length to the width).

RESULTS

There were 30 patients in each group. Both incision sizes were watertight, although a mild internal main wound gape was detected on anterior segment optical coherence tomography in 35 eyes (58.3%) at 2 hours. The smaller wound was more square (0.81; standard deviation [SD], 0.11) than the larger wound (0.62; SD, 0.08; P < .001, t test). The mean squareness of eyes without wound gape at 2 hours (0.66; SD, 0.11) was lower than those with a wound gape (0.75; SD, 0.14; P = .008). A squareness factor of 0.72 or more had a positive predictive value for presence of wound gape at 2 hours of 79.3% and a negative predictive value of 61.3%. One side port incision with squareness of 1.39 had a mild leak at 2 and 24 hours, but no gape was seen on anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the 2.2-mm and 2.65-mm clear corneal incisions clinically were competent, but the side port incision may leak. A truly square wound has a greater likelihood of being associated with internal wound gape at 2 hours after surgery, especially if the squareness factor is 0.72 or more.

Intracameral vancomycin following cataract surgery: An eleven-year study

Aim

To compare the incidences of endophthalmitis after cataract operations before and after introduction of intracameral vancomycin at the end of surgery.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of presumed infectious endophthalmitis after cataract surgery from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2008. From January 2001, the practice of using intracameral vancomycin at the end of cataract surgery was introduced. The period before introduction of intracameral vancomycin is considered as period A and that after as period B. The incidences of presumed or culture-proven endophthalmitis during periods A and B were compared.

Results

A total of 16,606 cataract surgeries were performed during the study period. The incidence of endophthalmitis per 1000 cataract surgeries was 3.0 during period A and 0.08 during period B. This reduction was statistically significantly (Chi-squared test 36.6, P value < 0.0001). The relative risk of developing endophthalmitis without intracameral vancomycin prophylaxis was 38. The absolute risk reduction was 292 cases of endophthalmitis per 100,000 cataract surgeries.

Conclusions

Intracameral vancomycin significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. There is a universal need to adopt this mode of microbial prophylaxis to reduce the burden of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

The conjunctival bacterial pattern of diabetics undergoing cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To ascertain the conjunctival bacterial pattern of diabetics undergoing cataract operation to reduce the risk of postoperative endophthalmitis (PE).

METHODS

An observational retrospective study of the conjunctival bacteria of consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery from July 2005 to November 2008. Records of patients having eye surgical prophylaxis in the 6 months before the culture and those patients having cataract operation combined with other surgical procedures were excluded. Aerobic and microaerobic cultures were carried out. Dade-Behring panels were used for bacterial identification. The database containing the isolated bacteria was linked to another Access database containing demographic and clinical data such as diabetes presence and baseline blood glucose and creatinine levels. The conjunctival bacteria of diabetics were compared with those of the non-diabetics. Epidat 3.1 program was used for statistical calculations.

RESULTS

From 5922 selected patients, 1325 (22.37%) knew they were diabetics (higher prevalence than expected). Among self-reported non-diabetics, 900 (15.2%) could be 'unknown' diabetics; another 274 had an impaired renal function; and 3423 non-diabetics joined the control group. Diabetics have a significantly higher prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococci, certain Streptococci, and Klebsiella sp. than non-diabetics. Diabetics and non-diabetics having a blood creatinine level above 105.2 mumol/l had an increased conjunctival bacterial prevalence; these groups had a higher mean age and men predominated.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetics have a conjunctival flora pattern whose increased bacteria are a predominant cause of many diabetic infections. An abnormally high blood creatinine level is an indicator of increased conjunctival colonisation in diabetics and non-diabetics.