Alterações oculares decorrentes de picada de abelha na córnea / Ocular changes due to corneal bee sting

RESUMO O propósito deste estudo foi reportar as alterações oculares observadas após picada de abelha com ferrão retido na córnea. Destacamos o tratamento e o desfecho de uma lesão de córnea incomum e sua patogênese. Trata-se de relato de caso e revisão da literatura de lesões oculares por picada de abelha. Paciente do sexo feminino, 63 anos, procurou atendimento oftalmológico de urgência devido à picada de abelha na córnea do olho direito há 6 dias. Queixava-se de embaçamento visual, dor e hiperemia ocular. Apresentou acuidade visual de vultos no olho afetado. Ao exame, notaram-se hiperemia moderada de conjuntiva bulbar, edema corneano com dobras de Descemet e presença do ferrão alojado na região temporal, no estroma profundo da córnea. A paciente foi internada para ser abordada no centro cirúrgico sob anestesia geral. Durante a cirurgia, o ferrão teve que ser retirado via câmara anterior, mediante a realização de uma paracentese e uma lavagem da câmara anterior, com dupla via e solução salina balanceada. Ainda não existe na literatura um tratamento padrão na abordagem de pacientes com lesões oculares por picada de abelha, sendo importantes a identificação e o reconhecimento precoce de possíveis complicações que ameacem a visão.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to report the ocular changes observed after a bee sting with a stinger retained in the cornea. We show the treatment and outcome of an unusual corneal injury and its pathogenesis. This is a case report and literature review of ocular injuries caused by bee stings. A 63-year-old female patient sought emergency ophthalmic care because of a bee sting on the cornea of her right eye six days before. She complained of blurred vision, pain, and ocular hyperemia. She had glare sensitivity on visual acuity in the affected eye. Examination revealed moderate hyperemia of the bulbar conjunctiva, corneal edema with Descemet's folds and a stinger lodged in the temporal region, in the deep stroma of the cornea. The patient was admitted to the operating room under general anesthesia. During surgery, the stinger had to be removed via the anterior chamber, by performing a paracentesis and washing the anterior chamber with a double flushing and balanced saline solution. There is still no standard treatment in the literature for patients with eye injuries caused by bee stings, and early identification and recognition of possible sight-threatening complications is important.

Risk of induction of corneal neovascularization with topical erythropoietin: an animal safety study

Purpose: To evaluate the pro-angiogenic effect of topical erythropoietin on cornea in chemical burn-injured rabbit eyes. Methods: The corneal alkali-burn injury was induced in 10 eyes of 10 rabbits using filter paper saturated with 1.0 mol sodium hydroxide. The eyes were categorized into the treatment group (n = 5) that received topical erythropoietin (3000 IU/mL) every 8 hr for one month versus the control group (n = 5) that received normal saline every 8 hr for one month. All eyes were treated with topical ciprofloxacin every 8 hr until corneal re-epithelialization was complete. Corneal epithelial defects, stromal opacity, and neovascularization were evaluated after the injury. At the conclusion of the study, the rabbits were euthanized and their corneas were submitted to histopathological examination. Results: Baseline characteristics including the rabbits' weight and the severity of corneal injury were comparable in two groups. Time to complete corneal re-epithelialization was 37 days in the treatment group and 45 days in the control group (P = 0.83). There was no significant difference between the groups in the rate of epithelial healing or corneal opacification. Clinical and microscopic corneal neovascularization was observed in one eye (20%) in the treatment group and two eyes (40%) in the control group (P = 0.49). Conclusion: Recombinant human erythropoietin administered topically did not induce vessel formation in rabbit corneas after chemical burn.

Cuerpos extraños intracorneales retenidos / Retained intracorneal foreign bodies

Los cuerpos extraños constituyen la segunda forma más común de traumatismos corneales. Pueden localizarse superficiales o intracorneales. Se realiza presentación de caso de paciente con cuerpos extraños intracorneales retenidos de 34 años de evolución secundario a trauma por onda expansiva, con el objetivo de mostrar los hallazgos clínicos y resultados por pruebas diagnósticas como la microscopía confocal corneal, frente de onda corneal por topografía y microscopía especular. La presencia de cuerpos extraños intracorneales en este paciente provocó respuestas en el tejido corneal en dependencia de su composición, nivel de profundidad; evidentes a pesar de tiempo de retención. La presencia de estos induce niveles altos de aberraciones corneales que dependen del grado de afectación(AU)

Foreign bodies are the second most common form of corneal trauma. They can be superficial or intracorneal. A case of a patient was presented, with retained intracorneal foreign bodies of 34 years of secondary evolution due to blast wave trauma. The objective is to show the clinical findings and results of diagnostic tests such as corneal confocal microscopy, corneal wavefront topography and specular microscopy. The presence of intracorneal foreign bodies in this patient provoked responses in the corneal tissue depending on its composition, depth level; evident in spite of retention time. The presence of intracorneal foreign bodies induces high levels of corneal aberrations depending on the degree of involvement(AU)

Limitations and advances in new treatments and future perspectives of corneal blindness / Limitações e avanços em novos tratamentos e perspectivas futuras na cegueira corneal

ABSTRACT This review is intended to describe the therapeutic approaches for corneal blindness, detailing the steps and elements involved in corneal wound healing. It also presents the limitations of the actual surgical and pharmacological strategies used to restore and maintain corneal transparency in terms of long-term survival and geographic coverage. In addition, we critically review the perspectives of anabolic agents, including vitamin A, hormones, growth factors, and novel promitotic and anti-inflammatory modulators, to assist corneal wound healing. We discuss the studies involving nanotechnology, gene therapy, and tissue reengineering as potential future strategies to work solely or in combination with corneal surgery to prevent or revert corneal blindness.(AU)

RESUMO O presente trabalho traz uma revisão das abordagens terapêuticas para a cegueira da córnea. O estudo detalha as etapas e os elementos envolvidos na cicatrização da córnea. Ele mostra as limitações das estratégias cirúrgicas e farmacológicas usadas para restaurar e manter a transparência da córnea em termos de sobrevida a longo prazo e alcance geográfico. As perspectivas dos agentes anabólicos, incluindo vitamina A, hormônios, fatores de crescimento e novos moduladores pró-mitóticos e anti-inflamatórios para auxiliar a cicatrização da ferida na córnea, são revisadas criticamente. Aqui, apresentamos estudos envolvendo nanotecnologia, terapia gênica e reengenharia de tecidos como possíveis estratégias futuras para atuar de maneira isolada ou combinada com a cirurgia da córnea para prevenir ou reverter a cegueira corneana.(AU)

Características y manejo del trauma ocular a globo abierto en zona I / Characteristics and management of open globe ocular trauma in zone 1

Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas del trauma ocular a globo abierto en la zona I y su manejo en el Servicio de Urgencia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo a una muestra de 35 pacientes ingresados en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer", entre junio del año 2016 y junio de 2017. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo, ocupación, ojo afectado, lugar del accidente, agente causal, localización, tamaño y forma de la herida, tiempo de evolución, mecanismo de producción y agudeza visual inicial, alteraciones oculares asociadas y tratamiento médico realizado, las cuales fueron procesadas en la base de datos con el uso de SPSS. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, la edad menor de 50 años, el área laboral y los objetos metálicos, así como las heridas penetrantes entre 2 a 5 mm, paracentrales y lineales, asociadas a la catarata. La mayoría requirió tratamiento quirúrgico. Conclusiones: A pesar de la atención temprana y oportuna del trauma ocular a globo abierto, este representa una causa frecuente de disminución unilateral de la visión en pacientes en edad laboral, por lo que se deben intensificar las medidas de protección para su prevención(AU)

Objective: To describe clinical characteristics of open globe eye trauma in zone 1 and its management in the emergency department in patients admitted to the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology Ramón Pando Ferrer between June 2016 and June 2017. Methods: A prospective longitudinal descriptive observational study was carried out on a sample of 35 patients. The variables studied were age, sex, occupation, affected eye, place of the accident, causal agent, location, size and shape of the wound, evolution time, production mechanism and initial visual acuity, associated ocular alterations and medical treatment that were processed in a database with SPSS. Results: the male sex under 50 years of age, work area and metal objects predominated, as well as penetrating wounds between 2 and 5 mm for central and linear associated with cataract. Most required surgical treatment. Conclusions: despite the early and timely care of open globe eye trauma, this continues to exist as a cause of unilateral decrease in vision in working-age patients, so protection measures should be intensified as a priority for its prevention(AU)

Caracterización de la herida corneal en el servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", Guantánamo / Characterization of corneal wound in the Ophthalmology service of the Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", Guantánamo / Caracterização da ferida corneana no serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", Guantánamo

RESUMEN Introducción: En el Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto" se desconocen las características de los pacientes atendidos por herida corneal. Objetivo: Caracterizar la herida corneal en pacientes ingresados en el servicio de Oftalmología del citado hospital en el período de enero de 2014 a julio de 2019. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y longitudinal del total de pacientes con este diagnóstico (n=35). Se estudiaron las variables: sexo, edad, procedencia, actividad que realizaba, tipo de herida, complicaciones; tipo de tratamiento y modificaciones de la agudeza visual de acuerdo al tratamiento que aplicó. Resultados: El 80,0 % de los pacientes fueron hombres, tenían entre 19 y 40 años de edad (57,0 %), procedían de áreas rurales (66,0 %) y se dedicaban a actividades laborales (60,0 %). El 91,0 % presentó una herida corneal penetrante. La catarata traumática fue la complicación más frecuente (40,0 %). El 97,0 % de los pacientes recibió tratamiento quirúrgico y sutura de la herida. Antes y después del tratamiento, el 54,0 % y el 40,0 %, respectivamente, de los pacientes presentaron agudeza visual visión cuenta dedos a percepción luminosa. Conclusiones: La herida corneal no es un problema de salud, pero sí interfiere negativamente en la calidad de vida de los perjudicados al afectar la agudeza visual.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Characteristics of the patients treated for corneal wound remain unknown at the Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto". Objective: To characterize the corneal wound in patients admitted to the ophthalmology service of the aforementioned hospital in the period from January 2014 to July 2019. Method: A descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal study of all patients with this diagnosis (n = 35) was carried out. The variables studied were: gender, age, origin, activity carried out at the time of injury, type of wound, complications, type of treatment and modifications of visual acuity, according to the treatment applied. Results: 80.0% of the patients were men, 57.0% were between 19 and 40 years old, 66.0% came from rural areas and 60.0% were engaged in work activities. 91.0% presented a penetrating corneal wound. Traumatic cataract was the most frequent complication (40.0%). 97.0% of the patients received surgical treatment and wound suture. Before and after treatment, 54.0% and 40.0% of the patients, respectively, presented visual acuity, counting finger vision and light perception. Conclusions: Corneal wounds are not a health problem, but it does negatively interfere with the quality of life of those affected by affecting visual acuity.

RESUMO Introdução: No Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", não se conhecem as características dos pacientes tratados por ferida corneana. Objetivo: Caracterizar a ferida corneana em pacientes internados no serviço de Oftalmologia do referido hospital no período de janeiro de 2014 a julho de 2019. Método: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e longitudinal de todos os pacientes com esse diagnóstico (n=35). As variáveis estudadas foram: sexo, idade, procedência, atividade realizada, tipo de ferida, complicações; tipo de tratamento e modificações da acuidade visual de acordo com o tratamento aplicado. Resultados: 80,0% dos pacientes eram homens, tinham entre 19 e 40 anos (57,0%), procediam da zona rural (66,0%) e exerciam atividades laborais (60,0%). 91,0% apresentavam ferida penetrante na córnea. Catarata traumática foi a complicação mais frequente (40,0%). 97,0% dos pacientes receberam tratamento cirúrgico e sutura da ferida. Antes e após o tratamento, 54,0% e 40,0%, respectivamente, dos pacientes apresentavam acuidade visual, visão de contagem de dedos e percepção luminosa. Conclusões: A ferida corneana não é um problema de saúde, mas interfere negativamente a qualidade de vida das pessoas feridas, afetando a acuidade visual.

Auriculoterapia en pacientes con queratitis punteada superficial / Auriculotherapy in patients with superficial punctuated queratitis

Introducción: La queratitis punteada superficial es la inflamación corneal por diversas causas, que se caracteriza por pequeños puntos dispersos de pérdida o lesión del epitelio de la córnea. Objetivo: Demostrar la eficacia del tratamiento local convencional combinado con auriculoterapia en pacientes con queratitis punteada superficial. Métodos: Se realizó una intervención terapéutica no controlada en 92 pacientes con diagnóstico de queratitis punteada superficial, seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio simple en el Policlínico Docente 28 de Septiembre de Santiago de Cuba, de enero a julio del 2019, para lo cual se conformaron 2 grupos: el A, que recibió tratamiento tópico convencional más auriculoterapia, y el B, tratado convencionalmente de manera tópica. Los pacientes tuvieron seguimiento clínico por cuatro períodos de 1 semana cada uno, luego de aplicado el tratamiento. Resultados: La causa más frecuente de la oftalmopatía en ambos grupos fue la degenerativa. En la mayoría de los pacientes del grupo A el tiempo de cicatrización corneal fue de 7 días y el de curación de 2 semanas. Conclusiones: Se demostró la eficacia de la auriculoterapia en la cicatrización corneal, sin riesgo de efectos colaterales y con bajo costo económico.

Introduction: The superficial punctuated queratitis is the corneal inflammation due to diverse causes, characterized by small dispersed points of loss or lesion of the corneal epithelium. Objective: To demonstrate the effectiveness of the conventional local treatment combined with auriculotherapy in patients with superficial punctuated queratitis. Methods: A non controlled therapeutic intervention was carried out in 92 patients with diagnosis of superficial punctuated queratitis, selected by simple randomized sampling in 28 de Septiembre Teaching Polyclinic from Santiago de Cuba, from January to July, 2019, for which 2 groups were conformed: group A that received conventional topical treatment plus auriculotherapy, and group B, conventionally treated in a topical way. The patients had clinical follow up during four periods of 1 week each one, after the treatment. Results: The most frequent cause of ophthalmopathy in both groups was the degenerative. In most of the patients from group A, the time of corneal scaring was 7 days and the healing period was of 2 weeks. Conclusions: The effectiveness of auriculotherapy was demonstrated in the corneal scaring, without risk of colateral effects and with low economic cost.

Pattern of corneal disorders in Ekiti: a tertiary eye center experience

Purpose: The cornea is the most significant refractive medium in the eye. Pathologies affecting the cornea usually have a great impact on vision. The etiology of corneal disorder varies from one geographical location to another. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of corneal disorders at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of case records of patients with cornea disorders over a 5-year period was carried out. Demographic characteristics, presenting visual acuity, and risk factor for cornea disorders were retrieved. Data were entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20, and statistical significance was inferred at P < 0.05. Results: Corneal disorders accounted for 3.3% of the eye disorders seen during the period of study. The median age was 37 years. Males outnumbered females giving a ratio of 1.9:1 and the age range from 0.25 to 92 years. There were more females than males in the 11­20 years' age group. Students (84, 25.4%) and artisans (62, 18.8%) were the two leading occupational groups. Infectious cases constituted 27.2% of the cases. Visual acuity at presentation was <3/60 in 131 (39.7%) cases. Foreign body entry was the leading etiologic agent in 101 (30.6%) cases. Conclusion: Half of the patients were blind at presentation, and many of them presented after more than 1 week of the onset of symptoms. Corneal foreign body, trauma, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis were the leading known predisposing factors. There will be need to emphasize more on the role of protective eye devices among our people, especially those who engage in outdoor activities

Video Caso Clínico: Trauma Ocular con Herida Penetrante con Hernia de Iris / Clinical Case video: Ocular Trauma Penetrating Eye Enjury with Iris Proplase

INTRODUCCIÓN: En lo que a traumatismos se refiere, el ojo es el tercer órgano más afectado después de manos y pies [1]. El trauma ocular constituye una de las principales causas de pérdida de la visión unilateral y determina consecuencias graves en el ámbito psico-social del individuo; siendo la causa más común de ceguera unilateral en la edad pediátrica, principalmente en países en vías de desarrollo [2]. La epidemiología de las lesiones oculares depende de varios factores; como el estilo de vida, el estado socioeconómico y las actividades deportivas y recreativas [2]. Según la Organización Mun-dial de la Salud (OMS), la incidencia anual mundial de traumatismo ocular es de alrededor de 55 millones [1]. Alrededor del 38-52% de todos los casos de urgencias oftálmicas son traumas ocu-lares y el 0.9-1.8% de ellos deben ser ingresados debido a un traumatismo grave [2]. Las lesiones varían desde una pequeña abrasión epitelial de la córnea hasta penetración y ruptura del globo [3]. El desgarro de la córnea, el desgarro de la esclerótica y el daño de la lente son las morbilidades observadas con mayor frecuencia del traumatismo ocular, seguidas de laceración del párpado, prolapso uveal, anomalías de la cámara anterior, desprendimiento de retina y avulsión del nervio óptico [1]. Las lesiones oculares, incluso las de menor importancia, pueden generar importantes cargas económicas por la necesidad de cuidados especiales, la costosa hospitalización, tratamiento y rehabilitación visual [2]. Este artículo presenta un caso clínico de trauma ocular, con pronóstico desfavorable según OTS. Epidemiológicamente entre el 30-40% de las cegueras monoculares son producidas por traumas oculares [2]. Al existir un trauma ocular con herida penetrante, se debe intervenir de forma oportuna en las primeras 24 horas para prevenir complicaciones y mejorar el pronóstico [4].(au)

BACKGROUND: The eye is the third most common organ affected by trauma after hands and feet [1]. Eye trauma is one of the main causes of unilateral vision loss and imposes major social and psychological impact on patients; in fact it is the most common cause of unilateral blindness in pediatric age groups, especially in developing countries [2]. The epidemiology of eye injuries depends on several factors, such as lifestyle, socioeconomic sta-tus, and sports and recreational activities.[2] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global annual incidence of eye trauma is around 55 million [1]. About 38-52% of all cases in ophthal-mic emergency rooms are ocular traumas and 0.9-1.8% of them needs to be admitted due to severe trauma [2]. Corneal tear, scleral tear and lens damage are the most frequently observed morbidities of ocular trauma, followed by lid laceration, uveal prolapse, anterior chamber abnormality, retinal detachment and optic nerve avulsion. [1]. Eye injuries, even the minor ones, can result in significant economic burdens due to special care and family costs, the expensive hospital admission, treatment and visual rehabilitation. [2] We present a case report of ocular trauma, with poor prognosis according to OTS. Epidemiologically between 30-40% cases of monocular blindness are caused by eye trauma [2]. In cases of ocular trauma with penetrating injuries, patients should be treated in the first 24 hours to prevent complications and improve the prognosis [4].(au)

Ação educativa com profissionais de terapia intensiva sobre lesão na córnea: relato de experiência / Educational action with professionals of intensive therapy on corneal injury: experience report

Objetivo: relatar a experiência acadêmico-assistencial de um grupo de estudantes de Enfermagem, ao promover uma ação educativa com profissionais de Enfermagem de duas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. Metodologia:estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, desenvolvido com base em atividades práticas supervisionadas, em hospital de grande porte da Região Metropolitana de Belém, Pará, Brasil, durante o mês de março de 2017. Está ancorado nas etapas da Metodologia da Problematização com o Arco de Maguerez, resultando em propostade intervenção exequível na prática. Resultados: obteve-se o percentual de participação de 85,7% da equipe de Enfermagem. Os demais profissionais estavam em reunião, inviabilizando sua presença na ação. Os participantes responderam de forma positiva à intervenção, colaborando, discutindo e valorizando o conhecimento construído com a relação dialógica, apresentando profundas reflexões nos discursos ao grupo interventor. Considerações finais: constatou-se que ações de cunho educativo, pautadas nas necessidades do público-alvo, podem provocar mudanças significativas por meio da reflexão crítica e da qualificação profissional. Os profissionais de Enfermagem oferecem importantes contribuições para prevenir e controlar lesões na córnea, bem como para investigar e produzir conhecimento relativo ao tema.

Objective: to report the academic-assistance experience of a group of Nursing students, by promoting an educational action with Nursing professionals of two Intensive Care Units. Methodology: a descriptive, experience-based study on supervised clinical activities in a large hospital in the Metropolitan Region of Belém, Pará, Brazil, during the month of March 2017. It is anchored in the stages of the Problem-Solving Methodology with the Arch of Maguerez, resulting in a feasible intervention proposal in practice. Results: the percentage of participation of 85.7% of the nursing team was obtained. The other professionals were in a meeting, making it impossible to be present. The participants responded positively to the intervention, collaborating, discussing and valuing the knowledge built with the dialogic relationship, presenting deep reflections in the speeches to the intervener group. Final considerations: it was found that educational actions, based on the needs of the target audience, can cause significant changes through critical reflection and professional qualification. Nursing professionals offer important contributions to prevent and control corneal lesions, as well as to investigate and produce knowledge related to the subject.

Correlation between pathogenic species and clinical findings, disease severity, and visual outcome in patients with fungal keratitis / Correlação entre espécies patogênicas e achados clínicos, gravidade da doença e desfecho visual em pacientes com ceratite fúngica

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine whether a correlation exists between pathogenic species and clinical findings, disease severity, and visual outcome in patients with keratitis and fungal growth in microbiological culture. Methods: A retrospective study of patients with fungal growth in the microbiological culture of corneal scrapings. Patients were treated at an ophthalmologic reference center in Southeastern Brazil from January 1992 to October 2015. Results: Medical records of 181 patients (131 males and 50 females) with a mean age of 47 ± 18 years were analyzed. The three most common etiologies were Fusarium sp. (38.7%), Aspergillus sp. (15%), and Candida sp. (13.2%). Among these, Fusarium sp. was the most frequent in patients aged £50 years (p=0.002) and in those with a recent history of a foreign body and/or ocular trauma (p=0.01). Candida sp. was the most frequent etiology in patients aged >50 years (p=0.002), in those with postoperative ocular surgery (p=0.002); in those with a previous ocular pathology (p=0.0007); and in immunodepressed patients (p=0.0004). Conclusion: Fusarium sp. was predominant in patients aged £50 years and those with a recent history of foreign body and/or ocular trauma, whereas Candida sp. was predominant in older adults, in those with a postoperative ocular surgery, in those with a previous ocular pathology, and in immunodepressed patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar se existe uma correlação entre espécies patogênicas e achados clínicos, gravidade da doença e resultado visual em pacientes com ceratite e crescimento de fungos em cultura microbiológica. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com crescimento de fungos na cultura microbiológica de raspado de córnea. Os pacientes foram tratados em um centro de referência oftalmológica no Sudeste do Brasil de janeiro de 1992 a outubro de 2015. Resultados: Foram analisados registros médicos de 181 pacientes (131 homens e 50 mulheres) com idade média de 47 ± 18 anos. As três etiologias mais comuns foram Fusarium sp. (38,7%), Aspergillus sp. (15%) e Candida sp. (13,2%). Entre estas, Fusarium sp. foi a mais frequente em pacientes com idade £50 anos (p=0,002) e naqueles com história recente de corpo estranho e/ou trauma ocular (p=0,01). Candida sp. foi a etiologia mais frequente em pacientes com idade >50 anos (p=0,002), naqueles com cirurgia ocular pós-operatória (p=0,002); naqueles com patologia ocular prévia (p=0,0007); e em pacientes imunodeprimidos (p=0,0004). Conclusão: Fusarium sp. foi predominante em pacientes com idade £50 anos e naqueles com história recente de corpo estranho e/ou trauma ocular; enquanto Candida sp. foi predominante em adultos mais velhos, naqueles com cirurgia ocular pós-operatória, naqueles com patologia ocular prévia e em pacientes imunodeprimidos.

Knowledge and practice of nursing professionals about prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum / Conocimiento y la práctica de profesionales de enfermería sobre profilaxis de la oftalmía neonatal / Conhecimento e prática de profissionais de enfermagem sobre profilaxia da oftalmia neonatal

Abstract Objective: To analyze the knowledge and practice of nursing professionals about the prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum. Method: Descriptive study, of qualitative approach, carried out in the first semester of 2018, in a city hall hospital located in the lake area of the Rio de Janeiro's state, through semi-structured interviews with 14 Nursing professionals participating in the care of the newborn, whose data were submitted to the Thematic Analysis. Results: From the three emerging thematic categories, there are gaps in knowledge related to ophthalmia neonatorum, silver nitrate and the instillation procedure of this prophylactic solution, as well as differences in care practice regarding care before, during and after the procedure. Conclusion and implications for practice: The data point to the importance of training the Nursing team in the prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum, the revision of guidelines and procedures aimed at standardizing the procedure, as well as emphasizing the need for adequate follow-up of pregnant women in prenatal care.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar el conocimiento y la práctica de los profesionales de Enfermería sobre la profilaxis de la oftalmía neonatal. Método: Estudio descriptivo, de naturaleza cualitativa, realizado en el primer semestre de 2018, en un hospital municipal ubicado en la bajada costera del estado de Río de Janeiro, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas desarrolladas con 14 profesionales de Enfermería, que participan en la asistencia al recién nacido, cuyos datos se sometieron al análisis temático. Resultados: A partir de las tres categorías temáticas emergentes se evidencian lagunas en el conocimiento relacionadas a la oftalmía neonatal, al nitrato de plata y al procedimiento de instilación de esa solución profiláctica, además de divergencias en la práctica asistencial en cuanto a los cuidados antes, durante y después de la realización del procedimiento. Conclusión y las implicaciones para la práctica: Los datos apuntan a la importancia de la capacitación del equipo de Enfermería para la realización de la profilaxis de la oftalmia neonatal, de la revisión de directrices y conductas que visen la estandarización del procedimiento, además de resaltar la necesidad de un acompañamiento adecuado de las gestantes en el prenatal.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar o conhecimento e a prática de profissionais de Enfermagem sobre profilaxia da oftalmia neonatal. Método: Estudo descritivo, de natureza qualitativa, realizado no primeiro semestre de 2018, em um hospital municipal localizado na baixada litorânea do estado do Rio de Janeiro, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 14 profissionais de Enfermagem, que participam da assistência ao recém-nascido, cujos dados foram submetidos à Análise Temática. Resultados: A partir das três categorias temáticas emergentes evidenciaram-se lacunas no conhecimento relacionadas à oftalmia neonatal, ao nitrato de prata e ao procedimento de instilação dessa solução profilática, além de divergências na prática assistencial quanto aos cuidados antes, durante e após a realização do procedimento. Conclusão e implicações para a prática: Os dados apontam para a importância da capacitação da equipe de Enfermagem para a realização da profilaxia da oftalmia neonatal, da revisão de diretrizes e condutas que visem a padronização do procedimento, além de ressaltar a necessidade de um acompanhamento adequado das gestantes no pré-natal.

The First Acanthamoeba keratitis Case of Non-Contact Lens Wearer with HIV Infection in Thailand

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare sight-threatening corneal infection, often reporting from contact lens wearers. An asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Thai male without history of contact lens use complained foreign body sensation at his left eye during motorbike riding. He had neither specific keratitis symptoms nor common drugs responding, which contributed to delayed diagnosis. By corneal re-scraping, Acanthamoeba-like cysts were detected by calcofluor white staining and agar culture. The etiological agent obtained from the culture was molecularly confirmed by Acanthamoeba spp.-specific PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The results from BLAST and phylogenetic analysis based on the DNA sequences, revealed that the pathogen was Acanthamoeba T4, the major genotype most frequently reported from clinical isolates. The infection was successfully treated with polyhexamethylene biguanide resulting in corneal scar. This appears the first reported AK case from a non-contact lens wearer with HIV infection in Thailand. Although AK is sporadic in developing countries, a role of free-living Acanthamoeba as an opportunistic pathogen should not be neglected. The report would increase awareness of AK, especially in the case presenting unspecific keratitis symptoms without clinical response to empirical antimicrobial therapy.

A Removed Chestnut Thorn after Corneal Incision

PURPOSE: To report the surgical technique to remove a chestnut thorn through a corneal incision. CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old female visited our clinic complaining of a sudden foreign body sensation and conjunctival injection in her left eye after picking chestnuts 4 days prior to her visit. Visual acuity of both eyes was 1.0 and the intraocular pressures were within normal limits. Slit lamp examination revealed that a chestnut thorn had deeply penetrated the left corneal stroma and a small number of inflammatory cells were observed in the anterior chamber. There was no corneal defect stained with fluorescein and the Seidel test was negative. A corneal foreign body comprised of a chestnut thorn and its remnants was diagnosed and emergency surgery was performed. A partial corneal incision was made along the foreign body and the exposed foreign body was easily and completely removed. The patient was treated with topical antibiotics after surgery and no complication was observed during a follow-up period of 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of a corneal foreign body comprised of a chestnut thorn, the foreign body with its remnants were easily removed by performing a partial corneal incision.

A Case of Corneal Chemical Injury by High-dose Ethanol during Orbital Wall Fracture Repair

PURPOSE: To report a case of chemical injury of the cornea caused by high-dose ethanol during orbital wall fracture repair. CASE SUMMARY: A 56-year-old male presented with pain after blowout fracture repair surgery. During the surgery, 2% hexethanol solution (2% chlorhexidine and 72% ethanol mixture), which was used for disinfection of the face, flowed into the left eye. Conjunctival injection in the left limbus, a large corneal epithelial defect, and severe stromal edema were subsequently observed. The patient was treated with topical antibiotics, steroids, and autologous serum eye drops. After 1 week, the corneal epithelial defect was improved, but at the second month of therapy, recurrent corneal erosion with deterioration of the endothelial cell function occurred. Anterior stromal puncture and laser keratectomy were performed. The corneal epithelial defect and erosion improved, but the endothelial cell density was severely decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The 2% hexethanol solution is usually used for preoperative skin disinfection, but it contains a high concentration of ethanol. The surgeon should be aware that high concentrations of ethanol may result in severe corneal damage, including corneal endothelial dysfunction and limbal cell deficiency.

Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy Caused by Alternaria

PURPOSE: To report a case of infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Alternaria in the corneal center. CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old male visited our clinic with right ocular pain and visual loss after corneal trauma caused by a foreign body hitting his right eye while performing farm work 1 month prior to his visit. The patient had no history of corneal surgery and long-term use of topical corticosteroid. A corneal epithelial defect and whitish snowflake margin infiltration around the corneal stroma were observed in the corneal center, but there was an absence of conjunctival injection and anterior segment inflammation. Cultures and a biopsy of the corneal scrapings revealed Alternaria species fungus. The patient was treated with 1% topical voriconazole and 0.5% moxifloxacin, together with oral voriconazole (400 mg/day). After 2 months of treatment, the disease was completely cured, with a minute corneal opacity. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully treated a rare case of infectious crystalline keratopathy caused by Alternaria, which has not been previously reported in the Republic of Korea.

Clinical Analysis of Staphylococcus Keratitis According to Coagulase Positivity

PURPOSE: To analyze clinical aspects in a cohort of patients with Staphylococcus keratitis according to coagulase positivity (coagulase negative Staphylococcus [CNS], coagulase positive Staphylococcus [CPS]). METHODS: Epidemiology, predisposing factors, clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and antibiotic susceptibility were comparatively analyzed in 138 cases of culture-proven Staphylococcus keratitis (94 eyes with CNS and 44 eyes with CPS) over 20 years (1998–2017) at Yeungnam University Hospital. Poor clinical outcomes were defined as a final corrected visual acuity <0.1, a decreased visual acuity after treatment, complications, or surgical treatment. Risk factors for poor clinical outcomes were evaluated in the total cohort and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The most common predisposing factors were corneal trauma in the CNS group (47.9%) and previous ocular surface disease in the CPS group (31.8%). No significant differences were observed in mean age, sex, previous ocular surface disease, epithelial defect size, and hypopyon between the two groups. Methicillin susceptibility (39.4% vs. 72.7%, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the CNS group, and poor clinical outcomes (28.0% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.076) were more common in the CPS group. The significant risk factors for poor clinical outcomes were initial best-corrected visual acuity <0.1, epithelial defect size ≥ 5 mm², symptom duration ≥10 days, and hypopyon. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were observed in epidemiological factors and initial clinical characteristics between the two study groups, but predisposing factors and methicillin susceptibility differed between the two groups. Treatment outcomes were relatively worse in the CPS group than in the CNS group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Poor clinical outcomes were more associated with long symptom duration and poor initial clinical characteristics than with coagulase positivity.

Recubrimiento conjuntival en afecciones corneales / Conjunctival flap in corneal diseases

Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia del recubrimiento conjuntival en afecciones corneales. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal, entre los años 2015 y 2017 en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer. La muestra quedó conformada por 52 pacientes quienes asistieron a la consulta externa del Servicio de Córnea de la mencionada institución. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino con el 63,5 por ciento de los pacientes. El grupo etario comprendido entre los 50 y 59 años de edad representó el 26,9 por ciento. Entre las afecciones corneales, el mayor porcentaje correspondió al descemetocele (30,8 por ciento), seguido de las úlceras corneales (23,1 por ciento). La técnica más empleada fue el recubrimiento conjuntival total representada por el 46,2 por ciento de las cirugías realizadas. El 80,8 por ciento de los casos evolucionó a la cicatrización corneal. La complicación más frecuente fue la retracción del colgajo (9,6 por ciento). Conclusiones: Los recubrimientos conjuntivales resultan un simple y eficaz procedimiento quirúrgico en pacientes que no responden a tratamiento médico o perforaciones corneales menores o iguales a 3 mm. Es un procedimiento extraocular que puede realizarse de urgencia para disminuir el dolor y la inflamación y puede ser revertido para realizar cirugías con fines visuales en un segundo tiempo(AU)

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the conjunctival flap to treat corneal diseases. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out from 2015 to 2017 at "Ramon Pando Ferrer" Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology. The sample was made up of 52 patients who went to the outpatient Service of the Corneal Department of the institution. Results: Males represented 63.5 % of patients. The 50-59 y group represented 26.9 percent. Among the corneal diseases, descemetocele exhibited the highest percentage (30.8 percent) followed by corneal ulcers (23.1 percent). The most used surgical technique was the total conjunctival flap in 46.2 percent of surgeries. 80.8 percent of patients evolved into corneal scarring. The most frequent complication was flap retraction (9.6 percent). Conclusions: The conjunctival flaps represent a simple and effective surgical procedure in patients who do not respond to medical treatment or in corneal perforations equal or under 3 mm. This is an extraocular procedure that may be performed in emergency in order to release pain and inflammation and may be reversed later to perform surgeries aimed at visual problems(AU)

Aplicación tópica de plaquetas plasmáticas en pacientes con queratitis punteada superficial / Topical use of plasmatic platelets in patients with superficial punctuated queratitis

Se realizó un estudio clínico, prospectivo, intervencionista y comparativo, de 41 pacientes (31 ojos) con diagnóstico de queratitis punteada superficial -seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio simple-, atendidos en el Hospital Infantil Docente Sur Dr Antonio María Béguez César de Santiago de Cuba, desde noviembre del 2016 hasta mayo del 2017, con vistas a demostrar la eficacia del tratamiento tópico con colirio de plaquetas plasmáticas en ellos, para lo cual se conformaron 2 grupos: el A, que recibió tratamiento tópico convencional, y el B con la misma terapia más colirio de plasma rico en plaquetas. Los pacientes tuvieron seguimiento clínico a las dos y cuatro semanas de aplicado el tratamiento. En la mayoría de los pacientes del grupo B el tiempo de cicatrización corneal fue de 7 días y el de curación de 2 semanas; de manera que se demostró la eficacia de este colirio autólogo en la cicatrización corneal, sin riesgo de reacción inmunológica y de bajo costo económico.

A clinical, prospective, interventionist and comparative study of 41 patients (31 eyes) with diagnosis of superficial punctate queratitis -selected by simple random sampling-, assisted in Dr Antonio María Béguez Caesar Southern Teaching Pediatric Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from November, 2016 to May, 2017, with the objective of demonstrating the effectiveness of the topical treatment of plasmatic platelets in them with eyewash, for which 2 groups were formed: group A with conventional topical treatment, and group B with the same therapy plus eyewash with rich platelets plasm. The patients had clinical follow- up at two and four weeks of having applied the treatment. In most of the patients of group B the time of corneal scaring was of 7 days and that of cure of 2 weeks; so that the effectiveness of this autologous eyewash was demonstrated in the corneal scaring, without risk of immunological reaction and with low economic cost.