Incidencia de infecciones relacionadas a la bula de filtración en pacientes con trabeculectomía / Incidence of Filtration Bullae-related Infections in Trabeculectomy Patients

Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de infecciones relacionadas a la bula de filtración en pacientes sometidos a trabeculectomía; así como su comportamiento clínico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal y retrospectivo. El universo estuvo comprendido por 1320 ojos con trabeculectomía y muestra conformada por 7 ojos con diagnóstico de infección relacionada a la bula de filtración operados en el Centro Oftalmológico de Villa Clara desde enero del 2012 hasta diciembre del 2021. Resultados: La incidencia global de infección en la bula de filtración fue de 0,53 por ciento. La incidencia de blebitis y de blebitis-endoftalmitis fue 0,15 por ciento y 0,38 por ciento, respectivamente. Los hombres fueron los más afectados y la edad media fue de 64,7 años. En todos los casos, la infección se presentó de forma tardía con una media de 4,1 años. El 57,1 por ciento tuvo una agudeza visual mejor corregida al inicio de la infección de movimiento de manos. Se reportó crecimiento bacteriano en un 57,1 por ciento, el estafilococo coagulasa negativo fue el germen más frecuente. El control de la infección se logró en 6 pacientes mientras 2/3 de ellos no tuvo mejoría de la agudeza visual mejor corregida a la resolución de la infección, todos con blebitis-endoftalmitis. Conclusiones: Las infecciones relacionadas a la bula de filtración son poco comunes. Se presentan con frecuencia años después de la cirugía filtrante y con mala agudeza visual. Los ojos con blebitis-endoftalmitis tienen una pobre recuperación visual a pesar del tratamiento(AU)

Purpose: To determine the incidence of filtration bullae-related infections in patients undergoing trabeculectomy; as well as their clinical behavior. Methods: A longitudinal and retrospective descriptive study was performed. The universe was comprised of 1320 eyes with trabeculectomy and the sample consisted of 7 eyes with a diagnosis of infection related to the filtration bulla operated at the Villa Clara Ophthalmologic Center between January 2012 and December 2021. Results: The overall incidence of infection in the filtration bullae was 0.53 percent. The incidence of blebitis and blebitis-endophthalmitis was 0.15 percent and 0.38 percent, respectively. Males were the most affected and the average age was 64.7 years. In all cases, the infection presented late with a average age of 4.1 years. Fifty-seven point one percent had best corrected visual acuity at the onset of hand motion infection. Bacterial growth was reported in 57.1 percent, coagulase negative staphylococcus was the most frequent germ. Infection control was achieved in 6 patients while 2/3 of them had no improvement of best corrected visual acuity at resolution of infection, all with blebitis-endophthalmitis. Conclusions: Infections related to filtration bullae are uncommon. They occur frequently years after filtering surgery and with poor visual acuity. Eyes with blebitis-endophthalmitis have poor visual recovery despite treatment(AU)

Cicatrização por segunda intenção como alternativa terapêutica para blebite grave / Second intention healing as a therapeutic alternative for blebitis serious

As infecções relacionadas à ampola filtrante da cirurgia de trabeculectomia podem ser divididas em dois subgrupos: formas localizadas de infiltrado mucopurulento limitadas a ela (blebite) ou uma infecção que envolve todo o olho (endoftalmite). Neste último caso, podemos observar hipópio e células no vítreo anterior. De etiologia ainda pouco definida, sabe-se que o uso de antimetabólitos como a mitomicina aumenta o risco de formação de bolha cística avascular mais susceptível à infecção. Embora não haja consenso sobre o manejo da blebite, sugere-se o início imediato da antibioticoterapia e o monitoramento diário. As intervenções cirúrgicas geralmente consistem na remoção do tecido não saudável, seguido de avanço conjuntival ou falha intencional da ampola seguida do implante de um tubo. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar uma abordagem cirúrgica incomum em um caso de blebite grave. Não foram encontrados dados na literatura de Oftalmologia que pudessem sugerir um manejo expectante mantendo uma esclera exposta, sem prejuízo do desfecho final da cirurgia fistulizante. (AU)

Infections related to the filtering ampoule of trabeculectomy surgery can be divided into two subgroups: localized forms of mucopurulent infiltrate limited to it (blebitis) or an infection involving the entire eye (endophthalmitis). In the second case we can observe hypopyon and cells in the anterior vitreous. Of a still poorly defined etiology, the use of antimetabolites, such as mitomycin, is known to increase the risk of creating an avascular cystic bleb more susceptible to infection. Although there is no consensus on blebitis management, it is suggested to start antibiotic therapy immediately and monitor it daily. Surgical interventions usually consist of removing the unhealthy tissue followed by conjunctival advancement or intentional failure of the ampulla followed by tube implantation. The aim of this study is to report an unusual surgical approach in a severe blebitis case. No data were found in the Ophthalmology literature that could suggest an expectant management maintaining an exposed sclera without any prejudice to the final outcome of the fistulizing surgery.

Leftover mitomycin-c sponge causing blebitis

Trabeculectomy is the commonest surgical intervention performed worldwide for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. However, the use of antimetabolites during trabeculectomy has been associated with various bleb related complications. We report this interesting case to highlight unique clinical presentation and management of a leftover mitomycin-C sponge causing blebitis.

An unusual presentation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa blebitis following combined surgery.

We report a case of blebitis that occurred 3 years later following a combined glaucoma and cataract surgery. It was an atypical presentation, as patient had no classical fiery looking signs of blebitis despite the isolated organism being Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Improvized surgical techniques like use of Mitomycin C, releasable flap sutures though considered as part of the recommended procedure for better surgical outcomes, their role as potential risk factors for visually blinding complications like endophthalmitis are often overlooked. This case report throws light on such risk factors for bleb associated infections and recommends removal or trimming of all releasable sutures and the need for a regular postoperative follow‑up.

Blebitis y endoftalmitis posterior a la cirugía filtrante del glaucoma / Blebitis and endophthalmitis following the glaucoma filtering surgery

Las infecciones relacionadas con la cirugía filtrante del glaucoma son graves, de difícil pronóstico visual y se consideran una complicación después de esta cirugía. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica actualizada con el objetivo de describir los principales factores de riesgos, gérmenes causales, cuadro clínico, conducta terapéutica y pronóstico de la blebitis y endoftalmitis asociada a la cirugía filtrante del glaucoma. El diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento adecuado de las blebitis previenen la aparición de endoftalmitis y la consecuente pérdida visual

The bleb-associated infections are severe complications after glaucoma filtering surgery, with poor visual prognosis. An update literature review was made to describe the main risks factors, causal germs, clinical manifestations, treatment and the prognosis of the blebitis and bleb-associated endophthalmitis. The early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of blebitis prevent the occurrence of endophthalmitis and consequent visual loss

Etiology and epidemiological analysis of glaucoma-filtering bleb infections in a tertiary eye care hospital in south India.

Purpose: To evaluate the microbial etiology and associated risk factors among patients with blebitis following trabeculectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all culture-proven blebitis was performed in patients who underwent trabeculectomy between January 2004 and December 2008. A standardized form was filled out for each patient, documenting sociodemographic features and information pertaining to risk factors. Swabbing of the infected bleb surface was performed for all suspected cases and further subjected to microbiological analysis. Results: A total of 23 patients with culture-proven blebitis were treated during the study period, with a mean age of 59.2 years (59.2 ± SD: 12.8; range, 30-81 years). Duration of onset was early (≤36 months) in six (26%) cases and late (> 36 months) in 17 (74%) cases with a range between 15 and 144 months (mean, 82.91 months; SD: 41.89). All 23 blebs were located superiorly and of which, 21 (91%) were microcystic avascular, 1 (4%) diffuse avascular, and 1 (4%) vascular flattened. The predominant risk factor identified was bleb leak (35%; 8 of 23) followed by thin bleb (22%; 5 of 23) and blepharitis (17%; 4 of 23). Bleb leaks (100%) were recorded only in patients with late onset (≥ 9 years) of infection (P< 0.001), while the incidence of ocular surface disease (100%) occurred early (≤3 years) (P< 0.001). Use of topical steroids was associated frequently with cases of thin blebs (80%; 4 of 5) (P< 0.001), while topical antibiotics showed bleb leaks (88%; 7 of 8) (P< 0.001). Coagulase-positive staphylococci were frequently recovered from blebitis with thin blebs (71%; 5 of 7) (P = 0.001), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) with bleb leak (100%; 8 of 8) (P< 0.001), Corynebacterium with blepharitis (100%; 3 of 3) (P = 0.001), and Streptococci with releasable sutures (75%; 3 of 4) (P = 0.001). Conclusion Bleb leak is the principal risk factor responsible for late-onset blebitis, while early-onset blebitis could be ascribed to ocular surface diseases. Streptococci were mainly responsible for early onset of infection, while the late onset was due to CoNS.

Management of complications in glaucoma surgery.

Surgical option for glaucoma is considered when other modalities are not working out to keep the intraocular pressure under control. Since the surgical procedures for glaucoma disrupt the integrity of the globe, they are known to produce various complications. Some of those complications can be vision-threatening. To minimize the morbidity, it is very important that one should know how to prevent them, recognize them and treat them. The objective of this article is to provide insight into some of those complications that will help the ophthalmologists in treating glaucoma patients in their clinical practice.