Amniotic membrane transplantation for neurotrophic corneal ulcers

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the clinical results of cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation as a treatment option for refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers. Methods: This prospective study included 11 eyes of 11 patients who underwent amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers at Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, in the city of Curitiba, from May 2015 to July 2021. Patients underwent different surgical techniques in which the amniotic membrane was applied with the epithelium facing upward to promote corneal re-epithelialization. Results: The median age of the patients was 60 years (range, 34-82 years), and 64% were men. The predominant etiology of corneal ulcers was herpes zoster (45% of cases). Approximately one-third of the patients (27%) were chronically using hypotensive eye drops, and more than half (54%) had previously undergone penetrating corneal transplantation. At the time of amniotic membrane transplantation, 18% of the eyes had corneal melting, 9% had corneal perforation, and the others had corneal ulceration without other associated complications (73%). The time between clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment ranged from 9 days to 2 years. The corrected visual acuity was worse than 20/400 in 90% of the patients preoperatively, with improvement in 36% after 3 months of the procedure, worsening in 18% and remaining stable in 36%. Of the patients, 81% complained of preoperative pain, and 66% of them reported total symptom relief after the surgical procedure. In one month, 54.6% of the patients presented a closure of epithelial defect, and half of the total group evolved with corneal thinning. The failure rate was 45.5% of the cases. Conclusion: Cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation can be considered a good alternative for treating refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers, as it resulted in significant improvement in pain (66%) and complete epithelial closure (60%) in many patients at 1 month postoperatively. Notably, the high failure rate highlights the need for further studies to identify patientand ulcer-related factors that may influence the outcomes of this procedure.

Mycobacterium abscessus keratitis after LASIK surgery / Ceratite por Mycobacterium abscessus após cirurgia LASIK

ABSTRACT A 33-year-old male presented with unilateral subacute infectious keratitis 4 weeks after surgery. Corneal inflammation was resistant to standard topical antibiotic regimens. During diagnostic flap lifting and sampling, the corneal flap melted and separated. Through flap lifting, corneal scraping, microbiological diagnosis of atypical mycobacteria, and treatment with topical fortified amikacin, clarithromycin, and systemic clarithromycin, clinical improvement was achieved.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo masculino, 33 anos, apresentou ceratite infecciosa subaguda unilateral 4 semanas após a cirurgia. A inflamação da córnea foi resistente aos regimes de antibióticos tópicos padrão. A aba da córnea foi derretida e seccionada durante o levantamento e amostragem para diagnóstico. A melhora clínica só foi alcançada após levantamento do retalho, raspagem e diagnóstico microbiológico de micobactérias atípicas e tratamento com amicacina fortificada tópica, claritromicina e claritromicina sistêmica.

Microbial keratitis in Sao Paulo, Brazil: a 10-year review of laboratory results, epidemiological features, and risk factors / Ceratite microbiana em São Paulo, Brasil: uma revisão de 10 anos dos resultados de laboratório, características epidemiológicas e fatores de risco

ABSTRACT Purpose: To study epidemiological data, laboratory results, and risk factors associated with microbial keratitis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of corneal sample cultures from patients with microbial keratitis from January 2010 to December 2019. Results were analyzed according to the etiological diagnosis of bacterial, mycotic, or parasitic infection and were associated with related risk factors. Results: We analyzed 4810 corneal samples from 4047 patients (mean age 47.79 ± 20.68 years; male 53.27%). The prevalence of bacterial, fungal, and Acanthamoeba infections were 69.80%, 7.31%, and 3.51%, respectively. The most frequently isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (45.14%), S. aureus (10.02%), Pseudomonas spp. (8.80%), and Corynebacterium spp. (6.21%). Among CoNS, the main agent was S. epidermidis (n=665). For mycotic keratitis, Fusarium spp. (35.42%) and Candida parapsilosis (16.07%) were the most common agents among filamentous and yeasts isolates, respectively. Contact lens use was associated with a positive culture for Acanthamoeba spp. (OR = 19.04; p < 0.001) and Pseudomonas spp. (OR = 3.20; p < 0.001). Previous ocular trauma was associated with positive fungal cultures (OR = 1.80; p = 0.007), while older age was associated with positive bacterial culture (OR = 1.76; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated a higher positivity of corneal sample cultures for bacteria. Among those, CoNS was the most frequently identified, with S. epidermidis as the main agent. In fungal keratitis, Fusarium spp. was the most commonly isolated. Contact lens wearers had higher risks of positive cultures for Acanthamoeba spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Ocular trauma increased the risk of fungal infection, while older age increased the risk of bacterial infection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar os dados epidemiológicos, resultados laboratoriais e fatores de risco associados às ceratites infecciosas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo das amostras de cultura de córnea em pacientes com ceratites infecciosas entre Janeiro/2010 a Dezembro/2019. Os resultados foram analisados de acordo com o diagnóstico etiológico de infecção bacteriana, fúngica ou parasitária e correlacionado com os fatores de risco relacionados. Resultados: Quatro mil, oitocentas e dez amostras corneanas de 4047 pacientes (média de idade de 47,79 ± 20,68 anos; homens em sua maioria (53,7%) foram incluídas. A prevalência de infecções por bactéria, fungo e Acanthamoeba foram de 69.80%, 7,31%, and 3,51%, respectivamente. A maioria das bactérias mais frequentemente isoladas foram Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (CoNS) (45,14%), S. aureus (10,02%), Pseudomonas spp. (8,80%), e Corynebacterium spp. (6,21%). Dentre CoNS, o principal agente foi S. epidermidis (n = 665). Nas ceratites fúngicas, Fusarium spp. (35,42%) e Candida parapsilosis (16,07%) foram os agentes mais comuns entre os filamentosos e leveduriformes, respectivamente. O uso de lentes de contato foi associado à cultura positiva para Acanthamoeba spp. (OR = 19,04; p < 0,001) e Pseudomonas spp (OR = 3,20; p < 0,001). Trauma ocular prévio foi associado a culturas positivas para fungo (OR = 1,80; p = 0,007), e idade avançada foi associada a culturas positivas para bactéria (OR = 1,76; p = 0,001). Conclusões: Nossos achados demonstraram uma maior positividade para bactérias em amostras de cultura corneana. Dentre estas, CoNS foi mais frequentemente identificado, sendo S. epidermidis o principal agente. Nas ceratites fúngicas, Fusarium spp. Foi o mais comumente isolado. O risco de positividade para Acanthamoeba spp. e Pseudomonas spp. foi maior em usuários de lentes de contato. Trauma ocular aumentou o risco de cultura positiva para fungo, ao passo que idade mais avançada aumentou o risco de infecção bacteriana.

Insulina colirio en afecciones de la superficie ocular

Cuando se produce una erosión corneal y fracasa la epitelización corneal surgen los defectos epiteliales corneales persistentes, cuyo tratamiento es un desafío para el oftalmólogo. Es muy frecuente el fracaso del tratamiento convencional por lo que se mantiene el interés en la búsqueda de otros factores de crecimiento para la cicatrización epitelial tales como los colirios de insulina. La insulina es un péptido estrechamente relacionado con el factor de crecimiento similar a la insulina 1. Su mecanismo de acción no es bien comprendido, sin embargo se acepta que es capaz de inducir migración y proliferación de las células epiteliales corneales, por lo que promueve y acelera la reepitelización de defectos epiteliales persistentes refractarios a tratamiento. La ausencia de una presentación comercial de colirio de insulina, hace necesario conocer su estabilidad físicoquímica y microbiológica así como la eficacia, efectividad y seguridad del colirio de insulina a diferentes concentraciones. De ahí la motivación para realizar una revisión de la literatura existente sobre el empleo del colirio de insulina en el tratamiento del defecto epitelial corneal persistente. Se realizó la búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas como PubMed Central, EBSCO, Clinical Trials.gov, MEDLINE OVID, EMBASE OVID con el objeto de identificar artículos relacionados con el tema.

When corneal erosion occurs and corneal epithelialization fails, persistent corneal epithelial defects arise, whose treatment is a challenge for the ophthalmologist. The failure of conventional treatment is very frequent; therefore, there is still interest in the search for other growth factors for epithelial healing, such as insulin eye drops. Insulin is a peptide closely related to insulin-like growth factor 1. Its mechanism of action is not well understood; however, it is accepted that it is capable of inducing migration and proliferation of corneal epithelial cells, thereby promoting and accelerating reepithelialization of persistent epithelial defects refractory to treatment. The absence of a commercial presentation for insulin eye drops makes it necessary to know its physicochemical and microbiological stability, as well as the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of insulin eye drops at different concentrations; hence the motivation to review the existing literature on the use of insulin eye drops in the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects. The search was carried out in electronic databases such as PubMed Central, EBSCO, Clinical Trials.gov, MEDLINE OVID, EMBASE OVID, with the aim of identifying relevant articles related to the topic.

Microbial keratitis and antibiotic sensitivity patterns: A retrospective analysis at a tertiary center in Central India

Purpose: To report on the microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of infectious keratitis at a tertiary center in central India. Methods: The suspected case of severe keratitis underwent microbiological culture and identification using the VITEK 2 technique. Antibiotic susceptibility for different sensitivity and resistance patterns was analyzed. Demographics, clinical profile, and socioeconomic history was also documented. Results: Culture was positive in 233/455 (51.2%) patients. Pure bacterial growth was present in 83 (35.62%) patients and pure fungus was present in 146 (62.66%) patients. The most common bacterial cause of infectious keratitis was Pseudomonas followed by Staphylococcus and Bacillus. Pseudomonas showed 65%–75% resistance against levofloxacin, ceftazidime, imipenem, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin. Staphylococcus showed 65%–70% resistance against levofloxacin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin, with Streptococcus being 100% resistant to erythromycin. Conclusion: This study highlights the current trend of microbiological profiles of infectious keratitis and their antibiotic susceptibility at a rural setup in central India. Fungal predominance and increased resistance against the commonly used antibiotics were noted.

Plasma rico en plaquetas, regenerador en alteraciones corneales / Platelet-rich plasma, regenerative in corneal disorders

En los últimos años, múltiples investigaciones han mostrado la participación de los factores de crecimiento en la regeneración de diferentes tejidos, lo que ha llevado a la utilización de los derivados hemáticos. Se considera este tratamiento una herramienta viable y efectiva para favorecer la epitelización en enfermedades de la superficie ocular. Es necesario encontrar una terapia eficaz en las alteraciones de la superficie ocular rebeldes a tratamientos convencionales. El objetivo del estudio es demostrar que la terapia celular es una novedosa disciplina científica a aplicar en nuestro medio. Se presentan tres casos atendidos en el servicio de córnea del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" con enfermedades de la superficie ocular. Caso clínico 1, paciente con úlcera corneal bacteriana grave que evolucionó a adelgazamiento en los 360°. Caso clínico 2, paciente con diagnóstico de melting corneal post de displasia conjuntival. Caso clínico 3, paciente con defecto epitelial post úlcera corneal. En los tres casos, se indicó plasma rico en plaquetas como único tratamiento, con una duración variable según respuesta al tratamiento. En todos los casos se logró regeneración epitelial en menor tiempo y rápida mejoría de las manifestaciones clínicas. No presentaron complicaciones, los pacientes mejoraron la agudeza visual tras lograr la cicatrización corneal. Es una terapia eficaz y de fácil obtención. Tiene impacto en la calidad de vida del paciente, con rápida reincorporación laboral y social, por lo que reduce los gastos sociales y económicos por tiempo de enfermedad y recuperación(AU)

In recent years, multiple investigations have shown the participation of growth factors in the regeneration of different tissues, which has led to the use of hematic derivatives. This treatment is considered a viable and effective tool to promote epithelialization in diseases of the ocular surface. It is necessary to find an effective therapy in alterations of the ocular surface that are resistant to conventional treatments, the objective of the study being to show cell therapy as a novel scientific discipline to be applied in our environment. Three cases treated in the cornea service of the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology "Ramón Pando Ferrer" with diseases of the ocular surface are presented. Clinical case 1, patient with severe bacterial corneal ulcer that progressed to 360° thinning. Clinical case 2, patient diagnosed with corneal melting after conjunctival dysplasia and clinical case 3, patient with epithelial defect post corneal ulcer. In all three cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was indicated as the only treatment, with a variable duration depending on the response to treatment. In all cases, the following was achieved: epithelial regeneration in less time and rapid improvement of clinical manifestations, no complications, patients improved visual acuity at the end of achieving corneal healing. Is an effective and easily obtained therapy. It has an impact on the patient's quality of life, with rapid work and social reintegration, thus reducing social and economic expenses due to illness and recovery time(AU)

Corneal manifestations and treatment among patients with COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis

Purpose: TO report the corneal manifestations in patients with COVID?19?associated rhino?orbito?cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Methods: This study was a retrospective, observational, and record?based analysis of patients of ROCM with corneal involvement. Results: A total of 220 patients were diagnosed with ROCM over a period of 3 months. Thirty?two patients had developed corneal manifestations. The mean age at diagnosis was 52.84 ± 12.8 years. The associated risk factors were systemic mucormycosis, uncontrolled diabetes, recent COVID?19 infection, and injudicious use of systemic steroids. Twenty?nine patients were known diabetics, 32 had recent COVID?19 infection, and 13 gave a history of injudicious use of steroids. The right eye (RE) was affected in nine patients, the left eye (LE) in 20 patients, and both eyes in three patients. Nine patients had a round?oval corneal ulcer. One patient each had a perforated corneal ulcer with uveal prolapse, sealed perforated corneal ulcer, spontaneously healed limbal perforation, diffuse corneal haze with hyphemia, panophthalmitis, diffuse corneal stromal abscess, limbal ischemia, anterior uveitis with posterior synechiae, inferior corneal facet, and filamentary keratitis. Three patients each had a corneal melt and inferior conjunctival xerosis with chemosis. Orbital exenteration was performed in six patients. Five patients with corneal ulcers healed. Topical eye drops of amphotericin (0.5 mg/ ml) cycloplegic, antiglaucoma medications, and lubricant eye drops were started along with systemic antifungals. Conclusion: Central corneal ulcer was the most common manifestation of mucormycosis. A concentration as low as 0.5 mg/ml of amphotericin eye drops was effective in the treatment.

Bacterial keratitis in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo: a 21-year review of the epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical data

ABSTRACT Infectious keratitis is a sight-threatening condition that is usually an ocular emergency. The visual outcome depends on prompt and accurate clinical management as well as geographic and epidemiological awareness. We conducted a retrospective observational study to define the epidemiological and laboratory profile, as well as the clinical course of bacterial keratitis in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo over 21 years. Information about age, sex, predisposing factors, topical and surgical treatment, visual acuity, ulcers' classification, bacterioscopy, culture, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were collected. This study included 160 patients. The mean age was 65.1 ± 18.4 years and risk factors were identified in 83.1 % of the patients. Empirical topical fortified cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside or fourth-generation fluoroquinolone was curative for 66.2 % of the cases. The mean treatment duration was 22.5 ± 9 days. The mean variation of visual acuity was −0.25 logMAR, p < 0.001. Culture revealed 64 % of Gram-positive bacteria. All Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to cephalothin, vancomycin, and quinolones. All Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. These findings reinforce the importance of prompt empirical treatment of severe corneal ulcers with a fortified cephalosporin and aminoglycoside or a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone as there are equally effective. Collected data was insufficient to evaluate resistance of ocular infections over time in this population.

Manifestações clínicas de ceratite ulcerativa periférica com ceratite neurotrófica: desafio terapêutico / Clinical manifestations of peripheral ulcerative keratitis together with neurotrophic keratitis: therapeutic challenge

RESUMO A ceratite ulcerativa periférica é uma infiltração corneana imunomediana associada a doenças autoimunes e inflamatórias sistêmicas. Comumente associada à artrite reumatoide, ela também pode estar associada a outras doenças reumatológicas, inflamatórias e doenças infecciosas. A ceratite ulcerativa periférica é geralmente unilateral e periférica, devido à proximidade com a vasculatura conjuntival. Há tipicamente um defeito epitelial sobrejacente ao infiltrado e afinamento do estromal associado. O objetivo deste relato de caso foi abordar uma das possíveis etiologias de ceratite ulcerativa periférica associada a quadro de ceratite neurotrófica por herpes simplex, apresentar sua apresentação clínica aguda e alertar sobre as implicações do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is an immune-mediated corneal infiltration associated with autoimmune diseases and systemic inflammation. Commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis, it may also be associated with other rheumatologic, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. PUK is usually unilateral and peripheral, due to its proximity to the conjunctival vasculature. There is usually an epithelial defect overlying the infiltrate and the associated stromal thinning. The objective of this case report is to address one of the possible etiologies of PUK associated with a picture of neurotrophic keratitis due to Herpes Simplex and its acute clinical presentation, and to warn about possible suggestions for treatment.

Evisceration and enucleation cases in the ophthalmologic emergency department of a tertiary Brazilian hospital / Casos de evisceração e enucleação em departamento de urgência oftalmológica de um hospital terciário Brasileiro

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the epidemiological profiles of evisceration and enucleation cases in the ophthalmologic emergency department of a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Methods: Patients treated in the ophthalmologic emergency department of Hospital São Paulo (Universidade Federal de São Paulo) during the period 2013 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Urgent cases of evisceration or enucleation surgery were included, and elective cases were excluded. The following information was extracted from the patients' medical records: demographic data, immediate and associated reasons for the surgical procedure, informed visual acuity, symptom duration until ophthalmologic care, complications, distance from the residence to the tertiary hospital, and time of hospitalization. Results: In total, 61 enucleations and 121 eviscerations were included in this study. The patients had a mean age of 63.27 ± 18.68 years. Of the patients, 99 were male (54.40%), and 83 were female (45.60%). The indications for evisceration or enucleation were corneal perforation with (44.50%) and without (23.63%) signs of infection, endophthalmitis (15.38%), ocular trauma (14.29%), neoplasia (0.55%), burn accident (1.10%), and phthisis bulbi (0.55%). The self-reported visual acuity was no light perception (87.36%) or light perception (1.10%). However, 3.30% of the patients did not cooperate with the examination, and no information on visual acuity was available for the remaining 8.24%. The mean symptom duration before ophthalmologic care was sought was 18.32 days. Two patients had sympathetic ophthalmia after evisceration. Conclusions: More eviscerations than enucleations were performed throughout the study period. The most common demographic characteristics were age >60 years and male sex. The main indications for urgent evisceration and enucleation procedures were corneal perforation with and without infection, endophthalmitis, and ocular trauma. The findings from this study could guide clinicians in performing preventive measures to avoid destructive eye procedures.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de evisceração e enucleação no pronto-socorro oftalmológico de um hospital terciário brasileiro. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos casos tratados no pronto-socorro oftalmológico do Hospital São Paulo (Universidade Federal de São Paulo) entre os anos de 2013 a 2018. Os casos urgentes de evisceração e enucleação foram incluídos e os casos eletivos foram excluídos. A análise dos prontuários médicos foi baseada em: dados demográficos, causas imediatas e associadas ao procedimento, acuidade visual informada, duração dos sintomas antes do atendimento oftalmológico, complicações, distância da residência até o hospital e tempo de hospitalização. Resultados: 61 enucleações e 121 eviscerações foram incluídas no estudo. Os pacientes tinham uma média de idade de 63,27 ± 18,68 anos; 99 eram do sexo masculino (54,50%) e 83 do sexo feminino (45,60%). As indicações de evisceração e enucleação foram: perfuração corneana com (44,50%) e sem (23,63%) sinais infecciosos, endoftalmite (15,38%), trauma ocular (14,29%), neoplasia (0,55%), queimadura (1,10%) e phthisis bulbi (0,55%). A acuidade visual informada foi de ausência de percepção luminosa (87,36%), percepção luminosa (1.10%), ausência de colaboração (3,30%) e sem dados informados (8,24%). A média de tempo até a busca pelo serviço oftalmológico foi de 18,32 dias. Houve 2 casos de oftalmia simpática após evisceração. Conclusões: Eviscerações foram predominantemente realizadas em comparação a enucleações em todo o período de estudo. As características demográficas mais comuns foram idade >60 anos e sexo masculino. As principais indicações para procedimentos urgentes de evisceração e enucleação foram perfuração corneana com e sem infecção, endoftalmite e trauma ocular. Este estudo poderia guiar medidas preventivas para evitar procedimentos oculares destrutivos.

Photo-activated chromophore for infectious keratitis cross-linking and its efficacy as a treatment modality in managing microbial keratitis

Purpose: To assess Photo Activated Chromophore for Infective Keratitis?Cross Linking (PACK?CXL) and its efficacy as a treatment modality in managing microbial keratitis. Methods: Single Centre prospective interventional study in infectious keratitis. A total of eleven patients were taken who had corneal thickness (CT) more than 400?m. PACK?CXL was performed according to Dresden’s protocol. The response was assessed by slit lamp examination, BCVA and AS?OCT at the time of complete healing. Results: The mean visual acuity at presentation was 1.207logMAR (0.3?3) which improved to mean value of 0.53logMAR (0.3?1). Mean time taken for complete epithelization was 17.45 days (14? 30 days) and that for complete healing was 33.72 days (21? 60 days). Mean CT at the baseline was 650.5± 108?m which reduced on consecutive follow up visits. There was reduction in the symptoms in nine patients except in two. One case reported increase in symptoms with worsening increase in endoexudates and hypopyon, and the other developed drug toxicity due to topical medications. Conclusion: Patients who underwent PACK?CXL showed good and early healing, good remodelling of cornea and improved visual acuity. The recalcitrant cases became responders to the same medications after PACK?CXL. Thus, PACK?CXL works well for both fungal and bacterial keratitis

Actualización diagnóstica y terapéutica sobre la úlcera corneal / Diagnostic and therapeutic updating about the corneal ulcer

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva sobre la anatomía de la córnea, a fin de profundizar en los principales factores predisponentes de la úlcera corneal, sus causas, cuadro clínico, evolución, complicaciones y tratamiento. Se analizó conceptualmente la enfermedad y se propuso incluir en su concepto el método clínico como premisa. Actualmente, en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, la curación de estas úlceras constituye un problema de salud a resolver, puesto que los tratamientos convencionales no siempre permiten una evolución estable de los pacientes diagnosticados, razón por la cual surge la necesidad de buscar medicamentos y alternativas terapéuticas para tratar a dichos pacientes.

An exhaustive literature review on the cornea anatomy was carried out in order to deepen in the main predisposing factors of the corneal ulcer, their causes, clinical picture, clinical course, complications and treatment. The disease was conceptually analyzed and it was suggested to include in its concept the clinical method as premise. At the moment, in Santiago de Cuba province, the cure of these ulcers constitutes a health problem to solve, since the conventional treatments not always allow a stable clinical course of the diagnosed patients, reason why there is a necessity of searching medicines and therapeutic alternatives to treat them.

Caracterización de pacientes con úlcera grave de la córnea y queratoplastia terapéutica

RESUMEN Introducción: La queratoplastia ha sido la técnica más empleada para el tratamiento de las alteraciones corneales. Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la queratoplastia terapéutica en pacientes con úlcera grave de la córnea. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal a 17 ojos de 16 pacientes operados de queratoplastia terapéutica que presentaron úlcera grave de la córnea, ingresados en el servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" de Santiago de Cuba en el periodo de enero de 2018 a diciembre de 2019. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, procedencia, ocupación, factores predisponentes, tiempo de evolución previo al ingreso, tratamiento tópico previo y germen causal. En el análisis estadístico se utilizó la frecuencia absoluta y el porcentaje para las variables cualitativas y para las cuantitativas, la media y la desviación estándar. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes del sexo masculino, jubilados con más de 60 años. Prevaleció el trauma ocular no quirúrgico como factor predisponente. Previo al ingreso se aplicó con mayor frecuencia el colirio antibiótico y el tiempo de evolución promedio fue de 12,2 días. El grupo de gérmenes más preponderante fue el de las bacterias. Conclusiones: El vínculo entre el germen causal y la aplicación de medicamentos tópicos previos de manera prolongada propicia que la enfermedad evolucione tórpidamente hacia formas graves de úlcera corneal. Lo que ofrece una respuesta deficiente y prolongada a los esquemas convencionales de tratamiento, que en ocasiones llevan a una queratoplastia terapéutica-tectónica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Keratoplasty has been the most used technique for the treatment of corneal alterations. Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of therapeutic keratoplasty in patients with severe corneal ulcer. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 17 eyes of 16 patients operated on for therapeutic keratoplasty who presented severe corneal ulcer, admitted to the Ophthalmology service of the Hospital "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" in Santiago de Cuba, in the period from January 2018 to December 2019. The variables studied were: age, gender, origin, occupation, predisposing factors, time of evolution prior to admission, previous topical treatment and causal germ. In the statistical analysis, the absolute frequency and the percentage were used for the qualitative variables, and for the quantitative ones, the mean and the standard deviation. Results: Male patients predominated, retired with more than 60 years. Non-surgical ocular trauma prevailed as a predisposing factor. Prior to admission, antibiotic eye drops were applied more frequently, and the average evolution time was 12.2 days. The most preponderant group of germs was bacteria. Conclusions: The link between the causal germ and the application of previous topical medications in a prolonged manner favors the torpid evolution of the disease towards severe forms of corneal ulcer. This evolution offers a poor and prolonged response to conventional treatment schemes, which sometimes lead to a therapeutic-tectonic keratoplasty.

RESUMO Introdução: A ceratoplastia tem sido a técnica mais utilizada para o tratamento das alterações corneanas. Objetivo: Descrever as características clínico-epidemiológicas da ceratoplastia terapêutica em pacientes com úlcera de córnea grave. Método: Estudo observacional descritivo e transversal em 17 olhos de 16 pacientes operados de ceratoplastia terapêutica que apresentavam úlcera de córnea grave, internados no serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" em Santiago de Cuba no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2019. Foram estudadas as variáveis idade, sexo, procedência, ocupação, fatores predisponentes, tempo de evolução antes da admissão, tratamento tópico prévio e germe causal. Na análise estatística, utilizou-se a frequência absoluta e o percentual para as variáveis qualitativas e para as quantitativas, a média e o desvio padrão. Resultados: Predominou pacientes do sexo masculino, aposentados com mais de 60 anos. O trauma ocular não cirúrgico prevaleceu como fator predisponente. Antes da internação, colírios antibióticos foram aplicados com maior frequência e o tempo médio de evolução foi de 12,2 dias. O grupo de germes mais preponderante foi o de bactérias. Conclusões: A ligação entre o germe causal e a aplicação de medicações tópicas prévias de forma prolongada favorece a evolução entorpecida da doença para formas graves de úlcera de córnea. O que oferece uma resposta pobre e prolongada aos esquemas de tratamento convencionais, que por vezes conduzem a uma queratoplastia tectónica terapêutico.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis as presenting manifestation of systemic microscopic polyangiitis: a case report / Ceratite ulcerativa periférica como manifestação de poliangiíte microscópica sistêmica: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Microscopic polyangiitis is a rare autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, characterized by inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels. It forms a part of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides-a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by vasculitis. It is a systemic disease affecting multiple organs. The patients may present with a wide variety of symptoms. Ocular manifestations may present as its initial clinical symptoms, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for reducing the morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis aids in the formulation of appropriate treatment and prevention of further complications. Aggressive treatment, including surgery, is often necessary to limit structural damage and preserve visual function. We present the case of an 82-year-old woman who initially presented with peripheral ulcerative keratitis that led to the diagnosis of microscopic polyangiitis.

RESUMO A poliangeíte microscópica é uma doença autoimune rara de etiologia desconhecida, caracterizada por inflamação e necrose dos vasos sanguíneos. Faz parte das vasculites associadas a anticorpos citoplasmáticos antineutrófilos - um grupo heterogêneo de doenças caracterizadas por vasculite. É uma doença sistêmica que afeta vários órgãos. Os pacientes podem apresentar uma grande variedade de sintomas. As manifestações oculares podem apresentar-se como seus sintomas clínicos iniciais, necessitando de abordagem multidisciplinar para redução da morbimortalidade. O diagnóstico precoce ajuda na formulação do tratamento adequado e na prevenção de complicações futuras. O tratamento agressivo, incluindo cirurgia, muitas vezes é necessário para limitar o dano estrutural e preservar a função visual. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 82 anos que inicialmente apresentou ceratite ulcerativa periférica que levou ao diagnóstico de poliangite microscópica.

Five cases of corneal suture-associated infectious endophthalmitis / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical features and prognosis of eyes with corneal suture-related infective endophthalmitis.Methods:A retrospective interventional case series. From January 2020 to December 2021, 5 patients (5 eyes) with corneal suture-related infectious endophthalmitis diagnosed by ophthalmic examination at Department of Ophthalmology of the Eye-ENT Hospital of Fudan University were included in the study. Among them, there were 3 males and 2 females; all had unilateral disease; the mean age was 30.80±21.98 years. Sutures of 4 cases were secondary to lens related surgery and of 1 case was secondary to penetrating keratoplasty. Average retention time of corneal suture was 20.00±7.41 months. Of the 5 eyes, corneal sutures were removed in 1 eye due to redness and eye pain in another hospital; 3 eyes were loosened of the sutures in the remaining 4 eyes. The patients were given standard treatment for infectious endophthalmitis, including systemic and local anti-infective therapy; corneal suture removal, intraocular injection, and vitrectomy (PPV). In PPV, it was decided whether to give silicone oil filling according to the situation. The follow-up time after treatment was 11.00±7.38 months. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), B-mode ultrasound and microbial culture results of the affected eye before and after surgery were observed and analyzed.Results:Infiltrates, ulcers, or abscesses surrounding the suture may be seen on the cornea of the affected eye. B-mode ultrasonography showed vitreous opacity, preretinal cords, and spherical wall edema in the entire segment of the affected eye. The results of vitreous humor culture were positive in 3 eyes, which were Streptococcus viridis, Staphylococcus hominis subspecies, Staphylococcus epidermidis. After treatment, all the intraocular infections in the affected eyes were successfully controlled, and there were no cases of enucleation of ocular contents or enucleation. Before treatment, the BCVA of the affected eye was from no light perception to counting fingers; after treatment, 2 eyes had BCVA> 0.3.Conclusions:Infiltration, ulcers or abscesses around the sutures can be seen in the cornea of corneal suture-related infective endophthalmitis patients, which are related to the long-term retention of the sutures in the eye. Most of the affected eyes have loose sutures when they go to the doctor; timely treatment can effectively control the infection, and some eyes have good visual prognosis.

Preliminary application of low-temperature plasma ablation combined with drug therapy in the treatment of infectious corneal ulcer / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To observe the preliminary therapeutic effect of low-temperature plasma ablation combined with drugs in the treatment of infectious corneal ulcer. <p>METHODS: Retrospective case study. A total of 30 eyes were selected from 30 patients with infectious corneal ulcer who were admitted to the ophthalmology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from December 2018 to March 2020. All patients had positive etiological examination and ulcer or infiltration depth ≤1/2 of corneal thickness. Local low-temperature plasma ablation combined with eye drops was applied to the cases whose corneal ulcer did not improve significantly or corneal infiltration continued to worsen after 3-7d of conventional anti-infection treatment. Postoperative follow-up was 3-6mo to observe the clinical effect.<p>RESULTS: After low-temperature plasma ablation combined with eye drops treatment, the infection in 12 eyes of 12 patients with bacterial corneal ulcer was controlled in 11 eyes of 11 patients and ulcer healed gradually. Keratoplasty was performed in 1 eye due to aggravated infiltration. Among 18 eyes of 18 cases with fungal corneal ulcer receiving low-temperature plasma ablation and combined local antifungal treatment, 13 eyes of 13 cases gradually healed; 2 eyes of 2 patients showed lichen-like changes after the first ablation, but the lesion area was significantly smaller than before and gradually improved after re-ablation treatment; there was no effect in 3 eyes of 3 cases and keratoplasty was finally performed. All the patients were followed up for 3-6mo, 26 eyes of 26 patients were cured and the infection had no recurrence with remaining corneal pannus or leukoplakia. Confocal microscopy did not detect mycelium in cured patients with fungal infection.<p>CONCLUSION: In this preliminary observation, low-temperature plasma ablation combined with drug therapy can effectively control infection, promote healing and improve visual acuity for infective corneal ulcer with infiltration less than 1/2 corneal thickness, and no obvious complications were observed.

Three Decades of Contact Lens-associated Microbial Keratitis in a Referral Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil / Ceratite Microbiana Associada a Lentes de contato em um Hospital de Referência em São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze patient data and the laboratory results of corneal samples collected from patients followed at the Ophthalmology Department, Hospital São Paulo, Brazil over a 30-year period, and correlate the analize with contact lens wearing. Methods: Corneal samples from patients diagnosed clinically with microbial keratitis between January 1987 and December 2016 were included in this study. Cultures that were positive for bacteria, fungi, and Acanthamoeba spp. were analyzed retrospectively. To ascertain if the number of patients with contact-lens-associated microbial keratitis (as a risk factor for microbial infection) changed over time, the analysis was divided into three decades: 1987-1996, 1997-2006, and 2007-2016. Information pertaining to patient gender and age, as well as type of organism isolated, were compared among these periods. Results: The corneal samples of 10.562 patients with a clinical diagnosis of microbial keratitis were included in the study, among which 1.848 cases were related to the use of contact lenses. The results revealed that the frequency of contact-lens-associated microbial keratitis increased over the last two decades. Overall, females had contact-lens-associated microbial keratitis more frequently (59.5%). Patients aged 19-40 years also had contact-lens-associated microbial keratitis more frequently in all study periods. Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were the most frequent Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively, in the microbial keratitis groups. Among the fungal cases of microbial keratitis, filamentous fungi were the most frequent fungi over the entire study period, with Fusarium spp. being the most frequent fungi in the group with microbial keratitis not associated with contact lens wearing (p<0.001). Samples positive for Acanthamoeba spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were significantly correlated with contact-lens-associated microbial keratitis (p<0.001). Conclusions: Females and young adults aged 19-40 years exhibited the highest frequency of contact-lens-associated microbial keratitis in our study. Staphylococcus spp. and Fusarium spp. were the predominant bacteria and fungi, respectively, isolated from corneal samples. Pseudomonas spp. and Acanthamoeba spp. were significantly correlated with contact-lens-associated microbial keratitis in this study.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar da dos epidemiológicos de pacientes e resultados laboratoriais para todas as amostras de córnea coletadas de pacientes atendidos no Departamento de Oftalmologia do Hospital São Paulo, Brasil, durante um período de 30 anos e correlacionar com o uso de lentes de contato. Métodos: Amostras de córnea de pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de ceratite microbiana (de janeiro de 1987 a dezembro de 2016) foram incluídas neste estudo. Resultados laboratoriais para culturas positivas para bactérias, fungos e Acanthamoeba spp. foram analisados retrospectivamente. Para verificar se o número de pacientes com ceratite microbiana associada à lente de contato, fator de risco para infecção microbiana, mudou ao longo do tempo, a análise foi dividida em três décadas: 1987-1996, 1997-2006 e 2007-2016. As informações incluindo o sexo do paciente, idade e tipo de organismo isolado foram comparadas entre os períodos. A análise estatística foi realizada no software SAS/STAT 9.3 e SPSS (v20.0). Resultados: Amostras de córnea de 10.562 pacientes com ceratite microbiana foram incluídas no estudo, das quais 1.848 foram relacionadas ao uso de lentes de contato. Os resultados revelaram que a frequência de ceratite microbiana associada à lente de contato aumentou nas últimas duas décadas analisadas. No geral, os homens compreendiam uma proporção maior do grupo ceratite microbiana não associada à lente de contato (CMNLC) (60,3%) e as mulheres eram mais frequentes no grupo ceratite microbiana associada à lente de contato (59,5%). Pacientes com idade entre 19 e 40 anos foram mais frequentemente observados no grupo ceratite microbiana associada à lente de contato em todos os períodos. Staphylococcus spp. foi a bactéria Gram-positiva mais frequentes, enquanto Pseudomonas spp. foi a bactéria Gram-negativa nos grupos ceratite microbiana. Entre os fungos ceratite microbiana, os fungos filamentosos foram os fungos mais frequentes durante todo o período do estudo, com Fusarium spp. sendo o mais frequente no grupo ceratite microbiana não associada à lente de contato. Acanthamoeba spp. e Pseudomonas spp. amostras positivas foram significativamente correlacionadas com ceratite microbiana associada à lente de contato. Conclusões: A maior prevalência de ceratite microbiana associada à lente de contato no nosso estudo foi observada em mulheres e adultos jovens com idade entre 19 e 40 anos. Staphylococcus spp. e Fusarium spp. foram as bactérias e fungos predominantes isolados nas amostras da córnea. Pseudomonas spp. e Acanthamoeba spp. foram significativamente correlacionados a ceratite microbiana associada à lente de contato neste estudo.

Ozonoterapia como tratamiento coadyuvante en la úlcera corneal grave bacteriana / Ozone therapy as adjunctive treatment in severe bacterial corneal ulcer / Ozonoterapia como tratamento adjuvante em úlcera bacteriana da córnea grave

Introducción: La evolución espontánea o los casos mal tratados de la úlcera corneal conllevan el riesgo de extensión de la infección, con severa afectación visual e integridad estructural del ojo. Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes con úlcera corneal grave bacteriana tratada con ozonoterapia local coadyuvante al tratamiento protocolizado. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal con 48 pacientes ingresados en el servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso", de Santiago de Cuba, en el periodo de enero de 2017 a diciembre de 2019. Las variables del estudio fueron: edad, sexo, factores predisponentes, microorganismos, signos de mejoría clínica, resultados al tratamiento y complicaciones. Para la validación estadística se utilizó prueba Chi-cuadrado. Resultados: La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 54,1 años, el 62,5 % eran hombres. Predominó el trauma ocular (63,3 %) en el sexo masculino y enfermedades oculares (44,4 %) en el femenino. La mejoría de los signos fue más representativa a los 14 días. Se logró resultados satisfactorios en el 100 % de los pacientes con microorganismos grampositivos. El 10,4 % presentó perforación corneal. Conclusiones: La ozonoterapia es una terapia válida como tratamiento en la úlcera corneal grave de etiología bacteriana y responde a la búsqueda de alternativas para pacientes con resistencia a los tratamientos antibacterianos que se ofertan en el cuadro básico de salud.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spontaneous evolution or poorly treated cases of corneal ulcer carry the risk of extension of the infection, with severe visual impairment and damage to the structural integrity of the eye. Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with severe bacterial corneal ulcer treated with local ozone therapy as an adjunct to the standard protocol treatment. Method: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on 48 patients admitted to the Ophthalmology service of the Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso", from Santiago de Cuba, in the period from January 2017 to December 2019. The study variables were: age, gender, predisposing factors, microorganisms, signs of clinical improvement, treatment results and complications. Chi-square test was used for statistical validation. Results: The average age of the patients was 54.1 years; 62.5% of them were men. Ocular trauma (63.3%) predominated in males, and ocular diseases (44.4%) in females. The improvement of the signs was more common after 14 days. Satisfactory results were achieved in 100% of patients with gram-positive organisms. 10.4% presented corneal perforation. Conclusions: Ozone therapy is valid as a treatment for severe corneal ulcer of bacterial etiology, and responds to the search for alternatives for patients with resistance to the antibacterial treatments that are offered in the basic health system.

RESUMO Introdução: A evolução espontânea ou casos mal tratados de úlcera de córnea trazem o risco de extensão da infecção, com comprometimento visual grave e integridade estrutural do olho. Objetivo: Descrever as características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes com úlcera bacteriana de córnea grave tratados com ozonioterapia local como coadjuvante ao tratamento protocolizado. Método: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal com 48 pacientes internados no serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso", de Santiago de Cuba, no período de janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2019. As variáveis do estudo foram: idade, sexo, fatores predisponentes, microrganismos, sinais de melhora clínica, resultados do tratamento e complicações. O teste do qui-quadrado foi usado para validação estatística. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 54,1 anos, 62,5% eram homens. O trauma ocular (63,3%) predominou no sexo masculino e as doenças oculares (44,4%) no feminino. A melhoria da sinalização foi mais representativa aos 14 dias. Resultados satisfatórios foram alcançados em 100% dos pacientes com organismos gram-positivos. 10,4% apresentaram perfuração corneana. Conclusões: A ozonioterapia é uma terapia válida como tratamento para úlcera de córnea grave de etiologia bacteriana e responde à busca de alternativas para pacientes com resistência aos tratamentos antibacterianos que são oferecidos no quadro básico de saúde.

Derretimiento corneal como complicación de queratitis ulcerativa periférica en un paciente con artritis reumatoide / Corneal melt as a complication of a peripheral ulcerative keratitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

RESUMEN Las manifestaciones oculares de la artritis reumatoide son manifestaciones graves que requieren manejo agresivo. En el presente reporte presentamos un caso de queratitis asociada a derretimiento corneal desencadenado por suspensión abrupta de su medicación reumatológica y cirugía no ocular, que respondió de forma favorable al manejo con metil-prednisolona y ciclofosfamida.

ABSTRACT Ocular signs of rheumatoid arthritis are severe extra-articular manifestations, which usually require aggressive management. In this report, A case is presented here of patient with peripheral ulcerative keratitis associated with corneal melt syndrome triggered by abrupt suspension of antirheumatic medication and non-ocular surgery. They symptoms responded favourably to methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide.