Endophthalmitis following Suture Removal - Clinical Outcomes and Microbiological Profile

Update on Suture Techniques in Corneal Transplantation: A Systematic Review

Effective suturing remains key to achieving successful outcomes in corneal surgery, especially anterior lamellar keratoplasty and full thickness transplantation. Limitations in the technique may result in complications such as wound leak, infection, or high astigmatism post corneal graft. By using a systematic approach, this study reviews articles and conducts content analysis based on update 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria). The aim of this paper is to summarize the state of the art of corneal suturing techniques for every type of corneal transplant and patient age and also their outcomes regarding astigmatism and complications. Future developments for corneal transplantation will be also discussed. This is important because especially the young surgeon must have knowledge of the implications of every suture performed in order to achieve consistent and predictable post-operative outcomes and also be aware of all the possible complications.

Versatility of use of fibrin glue in wound closure and vitreo-retinal surgery

Background

Fibrin glue is an absorbable blood-derived product, a biological tissue adhesive which imitates the final stages of the coagulation cascade, it produces a firm clot, forming a seal along the whole length of the wound, the resultant fibrin clot degrades physiologically into granulation tissue 2 weeks after the application. Biological glue has been used extensively in many forms of surgical procedures. Its use in eye surgery has grown lately as we have evidence that showed it was effective in securing conjunctival grafts in pterygium surgery, in securing wounds after glaucoma surgery and more importantly in 20G and 23G vitrectomy.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to present our experience in the use of fibrin glue in vitreoretinal surgery.

Material and methods

We included 281 eyes of 221 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery during the period of May 2009 to July 2012, the preoperative diagnoses were as following: proliferative diabetic retinopathy, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, luxation of cataratous nucleous and cortex, intraocular lens luxation, penetrating trauma, silicone extraction, phaco + IOL + vitrectomy + Ahmed valve implant, vitreous biopsy and optic nerve pit associated to macular detachment. The procedures were performed with Alcon Accurus Surgical System 20-gauge, 23-gauge or a combination of both. We used fibrin glue in all of the 20-gauge sclerotomies and leaking 23-gauge sclerotomies, scleral wound for IOL extraction, conjunctival peritomy for buckle implantation, conjunctiva in Ahmed valve implant, corneal graft in corneal perforation in trauma and leaking corneal wounds for phacoemulsification, in an optic pit, and in subretinal space in a giant retinal tear.

Results

We did not use any suture in any of the patients throughout the different procedures, there was no leakage in any wounds in the postoperative period, we found no inflammatory reaction, infection, and whenever we had excess amount, it was trimmed. Two patients presented a small dehiscence of the wound that was corrected in-office with a small amount of fibrin glue in the post-operative period.

Conclusions

Fibrin glue reduces surgical time, it is a good sealant, safe, with minimal allergic or toxic reactions and inflammation, minimizes bleeding, easy to undo and that eventually degrades. This small series shows that fibrin glue is a viable alternative for tissue coaptation in vitreoretinal surgery. However, further studies are required before fibrin glue takes the place of sutures.

Characterization of Novel Lytic Bacteriophages of Achromobacter marplantensis Isolated from a Pneumonia Patient

Achromobacter spp. are becoming increasingly associated with lung infections in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). A. marplatensis, which is closely related to A. xylosoxidans, has been isolated from the lungs of CF patients and other human infections. This article describes the isolation, morphology and characterization of two lytic bacteriophages specific for an A. marplatensis strain isolated from a pneumonia patient. This host strain was the causal agent of hospital acquired pneumonia–the first clinical report of such an occurrence. Full genome sequencing revealed bacteriophage genomes ranging in size from 45901 to 46,328 bp. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the two bacteriophages AMA1 and AMA2 belonged to the Siphoviridae family. Host range analysis showed that their host range did not extend to A. xylosoxidans. The possibility exists for future testing of such bacteriophages in the control of Achromobacter infections such as those seen in CF and other infections of the lungs. The incidence of antibiotic resistance in this genus highlights the importance of seeking adjuncts and alternatives in CF and other lung infections.

Surgery combined with antibiotics for the treatment of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by liver abscess

Backgrounds

Endogenous endophthalmitis is a serious disease caused by intraocular infection that can rapidly progress to cause blindness. This study evaluated the clinical features, surgical and antibiotics treatment strategies, and treatment outcomes in patients with endophthalmitis caused by liver abscess.

Methods

Between April 2014 and April 2019, the clinical data of 16 patients (19 eyes) with endophthalmitis associated with liver abscess who underwent surgery at Shengjing Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Furthermore, we evaluated the final visual outcomes in the patients to determine the efficacy of surgery.

Results

Fifteen patients (18 eyes) underwent intravitreal injection followed by vitrectomy after admission. One patient (1 eye) only underwent intravitreal injection. Of the 16 patients, 3 patients (3 eyes) had recurrent intraocular inflammation and eventually underwent evisceration. Systemic antibiotics were administered for all patients based on the results of vitreous humor culture, blood culture, and antibiotic susceptibility tests. Outpatient follow-ups were performed until the patients were stable (6 months). Of the 19 eyes, 1 eye (5%) had visual acuity restored to 20/200, 6 eyes (31%) had visual acuity restored to counting fingers (CF), 2 eyes (11%) had visual acuity restored to hand motion (HM), 4 eyes (22%) showed only light perception (LP), and the remaining 6 eyes (31%) showed no light perception (NLP). Drug susceptibility tests suggested that the carbapenems exhibited significant effects in the inflammatory reaction.

Conclusion

Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by liver abscess is a very serious condition, and the final visual outcome is poor. Timely surgical intervention combined with antibiotic treatment is essential, and the primary disease must be treated to control disease progression at the earliest.