Ocular Chemical Burns: Epidemiological Trends in a Colombian Medical Center

Ocular chemical burns are a significant cause of visual impairment. This study aims to characterize ocular chemical burns in a southwestern Colombia referral center and identify associated factors with low vision. A cross-sectional study was carried out based on the review of medical records of patients diagnosed with chemical eye burns who consulted the emergency ophthalmology service between January 2016 and December 2019. Descriptive statistics were performed. Associations with low vision (Best Corrected Visual Acuity, BCVA, ≥20/70 in Snellen chart) in the last follow-up appointment were identified using a multivariate logistic regression with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). 219 eyes affected by chemical burns were identified from 174 patients with a mean age of 39 years (SD±20), out of which 57.5% (n=100) were men. We ran a multivariate model adjusted by sex, eye wash, type of chemical, and Dua's classification. We found that the odds of low vision for patients without eyewash before the consult were three times the odds of those who had it (Adjusted OR [aOR]=3.5, 95%CI=1.3-9.4) and almost five times for those with Dua's classification greater than 1 (aOR=4.7, 95%CI=1.7-12.9). The ocular chemical burns reported in this study occurred more in young people of productive age. Acids were the principal causal agent. The association between lack of early management and the severity of the chemical burn with low vision has been highlighted. Ocular burns remain a relevant cause of consultation on the ophthalmology service in Cali, and prevention strategies are required.

The impact after 20 years of an early detection program for severe retinopathy of prematurity in a Latin American city

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of long-standing early detection program in the incidence and trends of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Cali, Colombia.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of infants included in an ROP prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment program, from January 01, 2002, to December 31, 2021 (20 years). Infants with gestational age (GA) <37 weeks or birth weight (BW) <2000 g and those with known ROP risk factors were screened. The incidence of severe ROP was calculated, and the average annual percent change (AAPC) was estimated through a joinpoint model.

Results

16,580 infants were screened, with an average GA and BW of 31.4 ± 2.8 weeks and 1526.5 ± 56.7 g, respectively. The incidence of severe ROP was 2.69% (446 cases, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 2.45%; 2.95%), with an average annual decrease of - 14% (AAPC, 95%CI: -16.3%; -11.6%) from 13.6% in 2002 to 0.7% in 2021. In infants with GA <32 weeks, the incidence was 5.21%. A significant reduction in the risk of ROP was observed with increasing GA and BW (P < 0.05). Among the cases with severe ROP, 6.5% (29/446) had a GA ≥32 weeks with a maximum of 37 weeks; only 0.4% (2/446) of the detected infants had a BW >2000 g.

Conclusion

Awareness and screening as part of the early detection program to prevent ROP has shown a significant decline in the incidence of severe ROP over time. Screening infants with GA <32 weeks or BW <2000 g and preterm infants (<37 weeks) with risk factors may be a feasible decision for resource optimization.

Keratitis in patients with corneal foreign bodies: a cross-sectional study in Cali, Colombia

PURPOSES

To describe the clinical characteristics and factors associated with keratitis in patients with corneal foreign bodies in Colombia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was based on a clinical records review of patients who had corneal foreign bodies and were admitted to the emergency department between June 2018 and June 2019 in Cali, Colombia. The primary outcome was the presence of keratitis diagnosed based on clinical criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors.

RESULTS

A total of 381 corneal foreign bodies in 372 patients were analyzed (median age, 40.0; interquartile range, 29.0-53.0 years; male, 94.7% (n=352). Ninety-five patients developed keratitis (24.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 20.8%-29.5%). In the multivariate analysis, age 30 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.15, 95% CI 1.06-4.36), finding of aqueous flare (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.39-5.66]), and a foreign body in the peripheral cornea (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.19-3.50] were associated with an increased risk for keratitis. Sex, time between injury and admission, and corneal edema were not related to keratitis (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

In Cali, Colombia, a high proportion of keratitis was reported in patients with corneal foreign body. Age, an aqueous flare, and a foreign body in the peripheral cornea were the factors associated with keratitis.

Prevalence and risk factors for primary angle-closure disease spectrum: The Colombian glaucoma study

PURPOSE

To estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with the primary angle-closure disease spectrum in participants of the Colombian Glaucoma Study.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study in subjects older than 50 years with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or/and systemic hypertension was conducted in Colombia to estimate glaucoma prevalence. This study included 1749 patients and classified them using gonioscopy into either open-angle or primary angle-closure disease spectrum groups. The patients in the primary angle-closure disease spectrum group were then subdivided into the following categories: primary angle-closure suspect, primary angle-closure, and primary angle-closure glaucoma. A logistic regression model was carried out to identify factors related to the primary angle-closure disease spectrum, including age, sex, height, and refraction.

RESULTS

The prevalence of primary angle-closure disease spectrum was 19.3% (338) (95% CI: 17.5-21.2). The prevalence of primary angle-closure suspect, primary angle-closure, and primary angle-closure glaucoma was 8.0% (140) (95% CI: 6.8-9.4), 10.1% (176) (95% CI: 8.7-11.6), and 1.2% (22) (95% CI: 0.8-1.9), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, advanced age (+80 years), female sex, and high hyperopia (p = 0.000, 0.021, and 0.001, respectively) were identified as independent factors related to the primary angle-closure disease spectrum.

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of primary angle-closure disease spectrum was found in Colombian patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or/and systemic hypertension, especially primary angle-closure and primary angle-closure glaucoma. Age, female sex, and high hyperopia were identified as risk factors for the primary angle-closure disease spectrum.