Complete and Early Vitrectomy for Endophthalmitis After Cataract Surgery: An Alternative Treatment Paradigm

Endophthalmitis Rates and Types of Treatments After Intraocular Procedures

Importance

Long-term trend analyses of overall endophthalmitis rates and treatment patterns are scarce. It is also unknown if the deviation from the recommendations of the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study toward decreased utilization of vitrectomy is associated with different vision outcomes.

Objective

To determine whether the rate of endophthalmitis after intraocular procedures or the primary treatment (prompt vitrectomy vs tap and inject) for endophthalmitis has changed over the past 20 years.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study examined data for cohorts created by querying for different intraocular procedures, including intravitreal injections and surgeries for cataract removal, glaucoma, retinal conditions, and corneal transplants from 2000 to 2022. The data source was a US administrative medical claims database comprising commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance plans. Any intraocular procedure with at least 6 months of data available before and 6 weeks after the procedure was eligible. Exclusion criteria consisted of any previous diagnosis of endophthalmitis or another intraocular procedure during the follow-up period.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcomes were rate of postprocedure endophthalmitis and relative rate of prompt vitrectomy (vs tap and inject) as the primary method of treatment.

Results

Among 2 124 964 patients, the mean (SD) age was 71.4 (10.2) years; 1 230 320 were female and 894 414 male. Over 22 years, 5 827 809 intraocular procedures were analyzed with 4305 cases of endophthalmitis found for an overall endophthalmitis rate of 0.07%. The yearly rate of endophthalmitis varied but generally declined from a high of 7 cases per 3502 procedures (0.20%) in 2000 to a low of 163 cases per 332 159 procedures (0.05%) in 2022. The percentage of cases treated with prompt vitrectomy also varied but generally declined over time with a high of 17 of 35 (48.6%) in 2003 and a low of 60 of 515 (11.6%) in 2021. Multivariable analysis of the endophthalmitis incidence rate ratio (IRR) showed a per-year decrease of 2.7% (IRR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.97-0.98; P < .001) over the study period. A similar analysis also showed that the incidence rate of prompt surgical treatment decreased by 3.8% per year throughout the study period (IRR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.97; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that the incidence of endophthalmitis following intraocular procedures appears to have decreased substantially over the past 20 years while prompt vitrectomy is being used less frequently as primary treatment than in the past.

Design and Validation of Endophthalmitis Infectivity Measurement Algorithm in Post Cataract Acute Endophthalmitis: EMS Report No. 6

Purpose

We constructed a clinical clue-based algorithm to identify the microbiology-positive post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis.

Methods

The Endophthalmitis Infectivity Measurement Algorithm (EIMA) was constructed using presenting Snellen vision (Letter score [LS]) and Inflammation Score (IS, from the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and vitreous). Retrospective data (70% for training; 30% for testing) was fitted into CHAID (Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection). EIMA was validated with prospective data. EIMA-categorized disease severity was weighed against the symptom duration to detect infecting micro-organisms.

Results

EIMA was constructed from 1444 retrospective data. The average LS was 6.03 ± 12.11, median IS was 14 (8-24), and culture positivity was 38%. The accuracy and area under the curve of CHAID were 66.36% and 0.642, respectively. EIMA was validated with 175 prospectively collected data. Microbiology positivity (culture + sequencing) was 58.9%. EIMA sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy against microbiology-positive endophthalmitis were 73.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.19-81.96), 81.9 (95% CI, 71.1-90.02), 77.1 (95% CI, 70.20-83.14), respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.08 (95% CI, 2.46-6.67) and 0.32 (95% CI, 0.22-0.45), respectively. There was higher microbial growth in two days or less than in three- to six-day symptom duration (69.9% vs. 28.2%; P = 0.018) endophthalmitis. Gram-negative infection was higher in two days or less (55.6% vs. 20.2%; P = 0.014), and gram-positive infection was higher in three- to six-day endophthalmitis (62.1% vs. 27.7%; P = 0.027).

Conclusions

EIMA identified microbiology-positive endophthalmitis three-quarters of the time.

Translational Relevance

EIMA suggested infectivity and the class of microbial infection could help targeted management of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

Coagulase-negative staphylococcal endophthalmitis: clinical severity and outcomes based on speciation

OBJECTIVE

To identify characteristics and visual outcomes of coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CoNS) endophthalmitis in the era after the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study.

DESIGN

Single-centre retrospective analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-two samples from 40 patients with documented CoNS endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Visual acuity outcomes of CoNS endophthalmitis were assessed in relation to species and type of treatment instituted (i.e., pars plana vitrectomy [PPV] versus vitreous tap and injection of intravitreal antibiotics [T&I]) on 42 samples from 40 patients.

RESULTS

Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent CoNS in our study. Cataract surgery and intravitreal injections were the most common sources for acute CoNS endophthalmitis. Eyes presenting with hand motion or better vision had similar mean final vision after either intravitreal antibiotics or PPV, whereas those with light perception or worse vision at onset had better outcomes after PPV only. Subanalysis showed that patients with S. epidermidis endophthalmitis (n = 39 eyes) had similar visual outcomes with either intravitreal injections or PPV regardless of visual acuity. Hypopyon and vitritis are not always present.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with S. epidermidis endophthalmitis may benefit similarly from either early vitrectomy or intravitreal antibiotic injections regardless of visual acuity. This finding may be a supplement to the complements the management standards set forth by the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study.

Do Treatment Patterns for Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery Follow the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study Recommendations?: An Academy IRIS® Registry Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether treatment patterns for endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® (Intelligent Research in Sight) Registry patients are in line with evidence-based guidelines established by the 1995 Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS), which showed that patients who present with light perception (LP) vision have better visual outcomes with immediate vitrectomy (VIT) compared with vitreous tap with antibiotic injection (TAP).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS

Intelligent Research in Sight Registry patients undergoing cataract surgery between 2014 and 2022 (identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes), presenting with endophthalmitis (identified by International Classification of Diseases 10 codes) within 42 days postcataract surgery, and having a record of being treated with VIT or TAP on the same or 1 day after endophthalmitis diagnosis were identified.

METHODS

Potential covariates of age, sex, race, ethnicity, geographic region, insurance status, and visual acuity on the day of endophthalmitis diagnosis were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Treatment with VIT or TAP.

RESULTS

Of the 2425 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 14% (345) underwent VIT and 86% (2080) underwent TAP. Notably, 80% of patients (1946) presented with endophthalmitis within 14 days from cataract surgery (median = 6 days). Notably, 66% (173/263) of the patients presenting with LP vision underwent TAP instead of VIT. In a multivariable logistic regression model, receiving VIT instead of TAP was positively associated with poor vision at endophthalmitis presentation (LP - odds ratio [OR] = 5.4; confidence interval [CI], 2.9-10.6; counting fingers, hand motions - OR = 1.9; CI, 1.1-3.6) versus (20/20-20/40) vision; Asian versus White race (OR = 2.6; CI, 1.3-5.2); Hispanic versus non-Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 1.9; CI, 1.1-3.2); living in the West (OR = 1.6; CI, 1.1-2.2) and Midwest (OR = 1.5; CI, 1.1-2.0) (vs. South), but not with age, sex, and insurance coverage (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the IRIS Registry, treatment patterns for postcataract surgery endophthalmitis did not match evidence-based recommendations of the EVS, a randomized controlled clinical trial. More work is needed to evaluate whether the current treatment patterns are optimal for patients with postcataract surgery endophthalmitis.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Horse to human: Streptococcus equi septicemia presenting as endogenous endophthalmitis

Purpose

To present a rarely reported systemic infection with streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (streptococcus equi), transmitted from a horse, and to describe successful treatment when complicated by endogenous endophthalmitis.

Observations

We diagnosed suspected streptococcus equi septicemia presenting as loss of vision in the right eye of an otherwise healthy polo player/horse trainer. He received immediate intravenous antibiotics and three vitrectomies with two intravitreal antibiotic injections during the first week, to cure infection and subsequent retinal detachment. Blood and initial vitreous cultures rapidly grew streptococcus equi. The septicemia was quickly controlled by systemic antibiotics without developing commonly seen and often fatal meningitis. The right eye recovered 20/30 visual acuity three months post infection.

Conclusions

Presentation of this rare septicemia as endogenous endophthalmitis illustrates the potentially lifesaving role of early diagnosis by the ophthalmologist. Immediate and recurrent vitrectomy in conjunction with intravitreal and systemic antibiotic therapy resulted in recovery of near normal vision, whereas less timely and interventional treatments have failed heretofore.

Characteristics and Risk Factors for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Related to Endophthalmitis

Purpose: To evaluate the risk factors for the development of concurrent or delayed-onset rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) related to endophthalmitis as well as the anatomic and visual outcomes with subsequent RRD repair. Methods: In this retrospective case study, a 2-tailed t test (continuous) and Fisher exact test were used to determine statistical significance of the observed findings. The relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs were calculated to assess statistical significance. Results: Of the 170 patients included, 22 were found to have a concurrent or subsequent RRD. Initial treatment with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (RR, 3.544; 95% CI, 1.650-7.614), aphakia (RR, 4.150; 95% CI, 1.434-12.011), endogenous endophthalmitis (RR, 2.684; 95% CI, 1.065-6.764), and posterior synechiae (RR, 3.026; 95% CI, 1.408-6.505) were statistically significant risk factors for RRD. Anatomically successful repair was achieved in 77.7% of patients. Conclusions: In addition to preexisting risk factors, the initial treatment of endophthalmitis may be a significant risk factor for RRD development, with a higher incidence of subsequent RRD in patients who have PPV as the initial treatment for endophthalmitis.

Literature- and Experience-Based Consensus for Acute Post-operative Endophthalmitis and Endogenous Endophthalmitis in Taiwan

Clinical practices on acute post-operative and endogenous endophthalmitis (EnE) are highly variable among clinicians due to a lack of up-to-date, high-quality evidential support. An expert consensus is thus much needed. A panel consisting of ten retinal specialists in Taiwan was organized. They evaluated relevant literature and developed key questions regarding acute post-operative and EnE that are cardinal for practice but yet to have conclusive evidence. The panel then attempted to reach consensus on all the key questions accordingly. There were eight key questions proposed and their respective consensus statements were summarized as follows: Gram staining and culture are still the standard procedures for the diagnosis of endophthalmitis. Vitrectomy is recommended to be performed earlier than the timing proposed by the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS). Routine intracameral antibiotic injection for post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis prophylaxis is not recommended because of potential compounding error hazards and a lack of support from high-quality studies. Routine fundus examination is recommended for all patients with pyogenic liver abscess. In EnE, vitrectomy is recommended if diffused and dense vitritis is present, or if the disease progresses. These consensus statements may work as handy guidance or reference for clinical practices of acute post-operative and EnE.

Visual outcome of 25 Gauge vitrectomy for acute post operative infectious endophthalmitis

BACKGROUND

The correlation between the change in foveal thickness measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) following surgery for infectious endophthalmitis and preoperative and postoperative visual acuity is uncertain, and there are few pertinent studies on this topic.

OBJECTIVE

We explored the variations in macular thickness using OCT after emergency vitrectomy for post-cataract infectious endophthalmitis and the relationship between macular thickness with changes in visual function.

METHODS

We included 10 cases of post-cataract infectious endophthalmitis. Each patient underwent 25-G vitrectomy.

RESULTS

The infection in all 10 patients was under control and visual function improved. Postoperative vitreous humor culture was positive in 8 patients, including 7 cases of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis and 1 case of Lactobacillus acidophilus. The average age of these 10 patients was 71.60 ± 8.71 years (P< 0.05, two-tailed). There was no significant correlation between time 2 (the time of onset after cataract surgery) and visual prognosis. The average time 1 (the time of the vitrification surgery caused by the onset of the disease) was 1.45 ± 0.76 days (P< 0.05, two-tailed). The postoperative 3dVA ranged from 0.20 to 3.00, with an average visual acuity of 1.87 ± 1.12, which was superior to the preoperative value (P< 0.01, two-tailed). The correlation between the post3dVA and post 1mVA was significant. The post 1mVA ranged from 0.05 to 2.20, with an average visual acuity of 0.94 ± 0.74 (P< 0.05, two-tailed). The correlation between post 1mVA and post3mVA was significant. Also, paired t-tests comparing preoperative and postoperative visual acuity revealed a significant correlation (P< 0.05, two-tailed). The post3mVA was 0-1.00 with an average visual acuity of 0.44 ± 0.41. The postoperative foveal thickness ranged from 176.00 to 514.00 μm, with an average thickness of 281.10 ± 113.12 μm.

CONCLUSION

Emergency 25-G minimally invasive vitrectomy can improve visual acuity and decrease the reoperation rate for patients who have acquired post-cataract infectious endophthalmitis. There were significant correlations between age, disease onset to operation time, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, and postoperative macular thickness.

Consensus and controversies in the science of endophthalmitis management: Basic research and clinical perspectives

Infectious endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection caused by bacteria, or less commonly by fungi. It can occur after penetrating eye procedures, trauma, or the spread of infection from contiguous structures or via emboli from distant organs. Because of the time-critical nature of the treatment, endophthalmitis is treated with the clinical diagnosis and modified by the microbiological report of the intraocular contents. The current strategy for managing endophthalmitis relies on pre-clinical literature, case series, and one large multi-center randomized clinical trial on post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis. Culture-susceptibility of the microorganisms from undiluted vitreous guides the definitive treatment in non-responsive cases. Strategies to reduce the incidence of endophthalmitis after penetrating eye procedures have been developed concurrently with refined means of treatment. Despite these advances, outcomes remain poor for many patients. Although consensus articles have been published on managing endophthalmitis, treatment patterns vary, and controversies remain. These include (1) the use of newer methods for early and precise microbiological diagnosis; (2) the choice of intravitreal antibiotics; (3) the need for systemic therapy; (4) early and complete vitrectomy. Here, we review the current consensus and address controversies in diagnosing and managing endophthalmitis. This review is intended to familiarize physicians and ophthalmologists with different aspects of endophthalmitis management to make informed decisions.

Early Vitrectomy for Endophthalmitis: Are EVS Guidelines Still Valid?

BACKGROUND

Endophthalmitis, a potentially sight-threatening condition, remains a challenge for ophthalmologists worldwide. The endophthalmitis vitrectomy study (EVS) conducted in 1995 compared vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotic injections to intravitreal antibiotic injections alone for acute post-cataract surgery and secondary intraocular lens endophthalmitis, setting treatment guidelines. However, the landscape of clinical practice has evolved considerably since then, raising questions about the applicability of EVS recommendations today.

SUMMARY

Recent studies have proposed that early and complete vitrectomy (CEVE) could potentially be an effective approach for managing endophthalmitis cases, irrespective of the initial visual acuity. However, it is important to note that the level of rigor in these recent studies may not match that of the EVS study, and as such, this assertion should be considered with caution. Furthermore, the EVS study exclusively focused on post-cataract surgery cases, leaving other endophthalmitis types, like post-intravitreal injection and post-traumatic endophthalmitis, without standardized treatment guidelines. Research exploring the role of early vitrectomy in these contexts yields mixed results, emphasizing the need for further investigation and well-designed prospective trials. Endogenous endophthalmitis, originating from systemic infections, adds complexity to the scenario. While early vitrectomy shows promise in specific cases, conflicting evidence necessitates comprehensive research.

KEY MESSAGES

This review underscores the necessity for tailored treatment strategies, supporting early vitrectomy when clinically indicated, and advocating for prospective trials to clarify its role in diverse endophthalmitis scenarios. As surgical techniques and antimicrobial therapies continue to advance, reevaluating treatment paradigms becomes crucial to enhance patient outcomes and protect ocular health.

Exogenous Endophthalmitis

PURPOSE

Exogenous endophthalmitis (ExE) results from microbial infection as a complication of ocular surgery, penetrating ocular trauma, and intraocular foreign bodies. We herein review the classification of ExE, etiological agents, differential diagnosis and therapeutic challenges.

METHODS

Narrative Literature Review.

RESULTS

Identification of the causative agent through ocular fluid analysis is central in the diagnostic work-up of ExE. Prompt intravitreal antimicrobial therapy is key to successful management of ExE and vitrectomy is essential in severe cases. In culture-negative cases, and in the presence of specific features, a diagnosis of sterile intraocular inflammation or toxic syndrome should be suspected.

CONCLUSION

Strict adherence to treatment guidelines may improve outcomes of ExE, however the ultimate prognosis, especially in severe cases, may depend more on the virulence of the causative organism and associated ocular complications. Accurate differential diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial elements in the management and prognosis of non-infectious masquerades of ExE.

IMMEDIATE VITRECTOMY vs TAP AND INJECT IN EYES WITH ACUTE POSTCATARACT ENDOPHTHALMITIS AND VISUAL ACUITY ≥HM: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of immediate pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and tap and inject in eyes with postcataract surgery endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Patients presenting with acute postcataract surgery endophthalmitis and visual acuity between ≥ hand movement and <6/18 were randomized to receive either PPV (Group A) or tap and inject (Group B).

RESULTS

There were 26 and 31 eyes in Group A and Group B, respectively. The final mean visual acuity at 6 weeks [0.14 (Snellen equivalent 6/7.5) versus 0.22 (Snellen equivalent 6/9.5) LogMAR in Groups A and B, respectively; P = 0.2] was similar. However, eyes in Group A had significantly greater mean letter gain in vision compared with Group B (66.36 vs. 43.36, P = 0.02), and more eyes in Group A (88%) than in Group B (65%) attained a visual acuity of ≥ 6/18 ( P = 0.06). Eyes in Group B needed more reinterventions including delayed vitrectomy after tap and inject than those in Group A (39% vs. 8%; P = 0.09). On subgroup analysis, the mean visual acuity at the final follow-up was significantly better in the immediate PPV group compared with the delayed PPV group ( P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

PPV resulted in earlier recovery, lesser interventions, and greater change in visual acuity than tap and inject in eyes with postcataract surgery endophthalmitis presenting with visual acuity of ≥HM.

Endogenous endophthalmitis due to Serratia marcescens secondary to late-onset empyema Post-Cardiac surgery in an End-Stage renal disease patient on peritoneal dialysis

Endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis results from bacterial seeding of the eye during bacteremia. A diagnosis of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis requires clinical findings such as vitritis or hypopyon along with positive blood cultures. Serratia marcescens is the second most common pathogen causing hospital-acquired ocular infections. This report describes a case of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis caused by S. marcescens in an older adult with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis, who had late-onset pleural empyema secondary to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A 61-year-old gentleman presented with a two-day history of cloudy vision, black floaters, pain, swelling, and gradual vision loss in his right eye. There was no history of trauma, ocular surgeries, or previous similar episodes. He had myocardial infarction treated with CABG 3 months back. Examination showed a 3 mm hypopyon in the anterior chamber. He had classic signs of endophthalmitis with positive blood cultures for S. marcescens. He was treated with high-dose intravenous meropenem and intravitreal ceftazidime without vitrectomy. Endophthalmitis progressed to complete vision loss in his right eye, requiring evisceration. Endophthalmitis caused by S. marcescens is rare, but long-term outcomes can be severe, causing complete vision loss in about 60% of the patients. It is usually hospital-acquired, and the source can be late-onset empyema several months after cardiac surgery, in an immunocompromised patient. Systemic antibiotics should be supplemented with intravitreal agents with or without pars plana vitrectomy.

Early Vitrectomy: An Effective Treatment for Acute Postcataract Surgery Endophthalmitis

Background

Endophthalmitis is a rare but a high morbid complication after cataract surgery, and a gold standard treatment is not recommended yet. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of early vitrectomy on the visual acuity of patients with postcataract endophthalmitis.

Materials and Methods

This study was a single-arm clinical trial on 27 patients with postcataract surgery endophthalmitis. Early vitrectomy was the intervention. Visual acuity as the primary outcome was evaluated and compared at baseline, at discharge, and 1 and 3 months after the intervention.

Results

From 27 patients who included in our study, six patients gain favorable visual acuity of 5/10 and above (success rate = 22%), and four of them have no improvement in their visual acuity. Retinal detachment was reported as a complication in just one case. Negative culture was a predictor for success in terms of visual acuity after the surgery. All patients who gain favorable results, presented in the first 15 days after the cataract surgery.

Conclusion

The result of our study showed that, considering complete, early vitrectomy for the treatment of postcataract surgery endophthalmitis, especially for those who presented in the first 15 days of cataract surgery and for those who have negative culture is promising.

Clinical Practice Update: Management of Infectious Endophthalmitis After Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection

Although infectious endophthalmitis after intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections is rare, it is the most feared and potentially devastating complication of this procedure. There is no high-level evidence to provide definitive guidance on the management of endophthalmitis occurring after intravitreal injection (IVI). This clinical practice update reviews the published literature regarding post-IVI endophthalmitis and highlights areas in which further research is needed to better guide its management.

Combined Therapeutic Penetrating Keratoplasty and Pars Plana Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Infectious Keratitis Endophthalmitis: Mexican Endophthalmitis Study Group Protocol 4

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of combined surgical treatment of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy in the anatomical and functional outcome of infectious keratitis endophthalmitis.

METHODS

This study reviewed the medical records of 4 participating centers in the United States and Mexico. This study included patients with a clinical diagnosis of infectious keratitis endophthalmitis who had been treated with an early therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy as the main treatment for endophthalmitis. From each medical record, the study retrieved demographic data, relevant medical and drug history, baseline clinical manifestation of endophthalmitis, best-corrected visual acuity, and the need for enucleation/evisceration for the control of the infection or any other reason through the follow-up.

RESULTS

The study included 48 patients (50.15 ± 20.6 years). The mean follow-up time was 13 ± 0.5 months. The mean best-corrected visual acuity at baseline was 2.1 ± 0.25 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. At month 12 was 2.09 ± 0.61 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution ( P = 0.9). The overall prevalence of enucleation/evisceration was 8.3% (95% confidence interval: 2.32%-19.98%). The prevalence of a vision of no-light perception was 20.8% (95% confidence interval: 2.32%-19.98%).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined surgery for severe cases of infectious keratitis endophthalmitis eradicates the infection in most cases, while significantly improving the overall outcomes.

Treatment of long-term endophthalmitis developing after intraocular lens implantation in children: a retrospective study

Background

To discussed the risk factor and the management of vitrectomy for long-term endophthalmitis developing after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of long-term endophthalmitis developing after IOL implantation in children.

Results

Four eyes of four children were included in the study. The mean time to endophthalmitis development after IOL implantation was 3.0 ± 0.8 years. The corneal or scleral sutures may have been caused the infection. All 4 patients underwent vitrectomy and received intravitreal antibiotics with or without IOL removal. At the last follow-up, the outcomes were satisfactory; the fundus was clear, the retina remained attached, the visual acuity improved, and there were no severe complications.

Conclusions

The use of scleral sutures and the exposure of conceal sutures may induce the onset of long-term endophthalmitis after IOL implantation. Complete vitrectomy and appropriate use of antibiotics are effective in the treatment of long-term endophthalmitis developing after IOL implantation in children.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Fungal Endophthalmitis: An Update

In recent, large case series of fungal endophthalmitis (FE) that were published by Asian authors, the most frequent etiologic agents for all types of FE are molds (usually Aspergillus species, while Fusarium is the prevalent etiology in keratitis-related FE). Candida was the organism found in most cases of endogenous FE. However, we must keep in mind that prevalence of fungal species varies with the geographical area. Lately, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was increasingly used for the diagnosis of FE, allowing for very high diagnostic sensitivity, while the costs become more affordable with time. The most important shortcoming of PCR—the limited number of pathogens that can be simultaneously searched for—may be overcome by newer techniques, such as next-generation sequencing. There are even hopes of searching for genetic sequences that codify resistance to antifungals. We must not forget the potential of simpler tests (such as galactomannan and β-d-glucan) in orienting towards a diagnosis of FE. There are few reports about the use of newer antifungals in FE. Echinocandins have low penetration in the vitreous cavity, and may be of use in cases of fungal chorioretinitis (without vitritis), or injected intravitreally as an off-label, salvage therapy.

Mid-term safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone implant to treat persistent cystoid macular edema in vitrectomized eyes for bacterial endophthalmitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the mid-term safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-i) for treating unresponsive to medical therapy cystoid macular edema (CME) in vitrectomized eyes for endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Retrospective and interventional case series study conducted on vitrectomized eyes for endophthalmitis that developed a CME that did not adequately respond to medical therapy, who underwent 0.7-mg DEX-i. Main outcome measures were changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

RESULTS

Eleven eyes were included in the study. Microbiological findings of vitreous biopsies were 7 (63.6%) staphylococcus epidermidis; 3 (27.3%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and 1 (9.1%) Propionibacterium acnes. Median (interquartile range, IqR) duration of CME was 4.0 (3.0-4.0) months. Median (IqR) time between vitrectomy and DEX-i was 9.0 (9.0-11.0) months. Median CRT was significantly decreased from 548.0 (412.8-572.5) µm at baseline to 308.0 (281.3-365.5) µm at month 6 (p = 0.0009, Friedman test). Median BCVA significantly improved from 38.0 (30.5-44.8) letters at baseline to 50.0 (46.8-53.0) letters at month 6 (p < 0.0001, Friedman), with 9 (81.8%) eyes gaining ≥ 10 letters. Elevation of intraocular pressure was observed in one (9.1%) eye, which was successfully controlled with medical therapy. No recurrence of endophthalmitis or other complications was observed. Eight (72.7%) eyes required an additional DEX-i, while 3 (27.3%) were successfully controlled with only one DEX-i. CME recurrence occurred in 5 (62.5%) Gram-positive and 3 (100.0%) Gram-negative bacteria (p = 0.2357).

CONCLUSION

In vitrectomized eyes for endophthalmitis affected by CME unresponsive to medical therapy, DEX-i had an acceptable safety profile and achieved favorable outcomes. The possibility of suppressing mechanisms for infection control should be taken into account, although correct management of endophthalmitis and long time without reactivation before DEX-i reduce the risk.

Early and complete vitrectomy versus tap and inject in acute post cataract surgery endophthalmitis presenting with hand motion vision; a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Based on endophthalmitis vitrectomy study, intravitreal injection of antibiotics is preferred for initial management of cases of acute post cataract surgery endophthalmitis (APCE) with presenting vision of hand motions (HM). This study aimed to compare outcomes of early and complete vitrectomy (VIT) and vitreous tap and antibiotic injection (T&I) in cases of APCE presented with vision of HM.

METHODS

In this prospective study, cases of APCE with vision of HM between 2018 and 2020 were enrolled. According to the time of presentation, the patients were arranged into two groups (VIT vs. T&I). Demographic data, elapsed time to developing endophthalmitis, past medical history, microbiology results, complications, and final visual acuity were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-six eyes of 76 patients were enrolled. Fifty-three eyes underwent T&I and twenty-three were arranged into the VIT group. Past medical history of 34.2% of patients was significant for diabetes mellitus. There was a statistically significant lower logMAR in VIT group compared to T&I group (diff = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.24, P-value = 0.007). The comparison of the diabetic and non-diabetic patients in both groups showed that the visual outcome was better in non-diabetic cases compared to the diabetic subjects. There was no statistically significant difference between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups regarding the superiority of procedure.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, we could recommend that it's maybe better to do early and complete vitrectomy as the initial management of APCE with the vision of HM. Past medical history of diabetes mellitus is not a determining factor for choosing initial management between vitrectomy and antibiotic injection.

Global Preferred Practice Patterns for the Management of Exogenous Endophthalmitis: A Survey by the American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma

OBJECTIVE

: To investigate the global practice patterns for the management of exogenous endophthalmitis.

METHODS

: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess global practice patterns for the management of exogenous endophthalmitis. An online survey comprised of questions regarding the management of exogenous endophthalmitis was distributed to institutions who are members of International Globe and Adnexal Trauma Epidemiology Study Group (IGATES) or invited affiliates of the American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma and the Asia Pacific Ophthalmic Trauma Society. Responses were gathered from August 2020 to January 2021.

RESULTS

Of 42 institutions, 36 responses were received (86% response rate), of which 33 (79%) were included in the analysis. Included centers were from Asia (36%), North America (36%), South America (12%), Africa (9%), Europe (3%), and Australia (3%). Oral antibiotics were administered in 19 (58%) institutions, with moxifloxacin as the preferred agent (n=9, 27%). The preferred method for obtaining cultures was vitreous tap (n=25, 76%). Most institutions (n=26, 79%) routinely administered intravitreal vancomycin and ceftazidime, while intravitreal steroids were routinely administered at 11 centers (33%). Indications for performing vitrectomy included; decreased visual acuity (n=14, 39%); all cases of exogenous endophthalmitis (n=4, 12%); non-response to medical therapy (n=4, 12%); or no view of the fundus (n=4, 12%), indicating significant variation in surgical indications. More than half (n=17, 52%) of responding institutions routinely admitted patients with exogenous endophthalmitis to the hospital. Institutions in the United States were less likely to administer oral antibiotics (27% vs. 73%, P = 0.024) and to admit patients (9% vs. 73%, P < 0.001) compared to other countries.

CONCLUSIONS

: This study highlights the global variations in the management of exogenous endophthalmitis, especially as it pertains to surgical indications. Further establishment of evidence-based guidelines may be beneficial to provide more uniform guidance to optimize outcomes.

Complete and early vitrectomy for endophthalmitis

We recently co-authored a report on the ten-year (2007-2017) results achieved at our center (Retina Specialists of Alabama) in the treatment of Acute Post-Cataract Endophthalmitis (APCE). Of all eyes, 77.4% were initially treated with Complete and Early Vitrectomy for Endophthalmitis (CEVE). Visual acuity of ≥ 20/40 was restored in 79% of all eyes versus 53% of eyes reported in the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study. We believe that CEVE is the initial treatment of choice whenever the fundus is obscured by endophthalmitis vitreous opacity.