Corneal transplantation and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report / Transplante de córnea e infecção concomitante por SARS-CoV-2: relato de caso

ABSTRACT This report was aimed at presenting a case of neurotrophic keratitis and concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient who has recently undergone a corneal DALK transplant. One month after corneal transplantation with adequate corneal epithelialization, the patient presented neurotrophic keratitis with a torpid course of the corneal transplant coinciding with a SARS-CoV-2 infection, with an excessive host immune response. In addition, the patient presented a re-positivization of nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction of SARS-CoV-2 with past disease after starting treatment with autologous serum eye drops. The implications at the ophthalmological level of SARS-CoV-2 infection may be clarified as the time the illness progresses and we learn more about how it acts. In this case, the disparity of signs and symptoms, the antecedent of corneal surgery, and the possibility of a herpetic infection as a cause of the primary leukoma suggested neurotrophic keratitis. Nonetheless, the involvement of systemic SARS-CoV-2 infection in the process, triggering an excessive host immune response at the corneal level with an increase in inflammatory cytokines must be taken into account. No relationship was found between treatment with autologous serum and re-positivization of nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction, presenting the patient a favorable response to treatment.

RESUMO O objetivo deste relato foi apresentar um caso de ceratite neurotrófica e infecção concomitante por SARS-CoV-2 em paciente submetido recentemente a transplante de córnea DALK. Um mês após o transplante de córnea com adequada epitelização da córnea, o paciente apresentou ceratite neurotrófica com curso tórpido do transplante de córnea, coincidindo com infecção por SARS-CoV-2, com resposta imune excessiva do hospedeiro. Além disso, o paciente apresentou repositivização da reação em cadeia da polimerase nasofaríngeo de SARS-CoV-2, com doença pregressa após iniciar tratamento com colírio de soro autólogo. As implicações a nível oftalmológico da infecção por SARS-CoV-2, podem ser esclarecidas à medida que a doença progride e aprendemos mais sobre sua forma de atuação. Neste caso, a disparidade de sinais e sintomas, o antecedente de cirurgia de córnea e a possibilidade de infecção herpética como causa do leucoma primário sugeriram ceratite neurotrófica. No entanto, deve-se levar em consideração o envolvimento da infecção sistêmica por SARS-CoV-2 no processo, desencadeando uma resposta imune excessiva do hospedeiro no nível da córnea, com aumento de citocinas inflamatórias. Não foi encontrada relação entre o tratamento com soro autólogo e a repositivização da reação em cadeia da polimerase nasofaríngea, apresentando ao paciente uma resposta favorável ao tratamento.

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.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis with ulcerative keratitis / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors and prognosis of ulcerative keratitis (UK) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).@*METHODS@#Sixteen patients with UK (the UK group) were screened among 4 773 RA patients hospitalized at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2003 to May 2021, and 72 patients with RA without UK in the control group were selected by propensity score matching (PSM). The clinical features, laboratory data and medications between the two groups were collected and analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The average age of the patients with RA was 60 years at the time of the complication of UK. UK appeared on average in the 16th year of RA, with the majority of UK occurring in the 7th year of RA and beyond (14 cases), however, a minority of UK was the first symptom of RA (1 case). UK associated with RA manifested as simple marginal UK in 8 cases, marginal UK with perforation in 5 cases, marginal UK with uveitis in 2 cases and central UK with perforation in 1 case. The number of swollen joints was significantly higher in the UK group than in the control group [6.0(2.5, 23.0) vs. 3.0(1.0, 9.8), Z=-2.047, P=0.041], and the proportion of secondary Sjögren syndrome (SS, 37.5% vs. 6.9%, χ2=11.175, P=0.004) and interstitial lung disease (ILD, 37.5% vs. 8.3%, χ2=9.456, P=0.008) were significantly higher in the RA patients with UK than the patients without UK. The uses of sulfasalazine (12.5% vs. 48.6%, χ2=7.006, P=0.008), leflunomide (31.3% vs. 63.9%, χ2=5.723, P=0.017) and gold salt(6.3% vs. 33.8%, χ2=4.841, P=0.032)were significantly lower in the UK group than in the control group. However, there was no statistically significant comparison between the two groups for the 28-joint disease activity score-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (5.3±1.8 vs. 5.1±1.6, t=0.309, P=0.761). Logistic analysis showed the number of swollen joints (OR=1.148), secondary SS (OR=79.118), complicated with ILD (OR=6.596) and the use of sulfasalazine (OR=0.037) were independent relevant factors (P < 0.05) for UK in RA patients.@*CONCLUSION@#The number of swollen joints, secondary SS, complicated with ILD and the use of sulfasalazine are independent relevant factors for UK in patients with RA.

Utilização de lente de contato escleral na abordagem terapêutica da úlcera neurotrófica corneana / Use of scleral contact lens in the therapeutic approach of corneal neurotrophic ulcer

Resumo Neste artigo descrevemos como conduzimos com sucesso um caso de úlcera neurotrófica não responsivo à terapia convencional com o uso de lente de contato escleral e as vantagens desta terapêutica.

Abstract In this paper we describe how we successfully conducted a case of neurotrophic ulcer not responsive to conventional therapy using scleral contact lens and the advantages of this therapy.

Tratamiento de la úlcera grave de la córnea con colirio fortificado / The treatment of the severe corneal ulcer with fortified eye drops

Introducción: la úlcera corneal es una inflamación supurada que puede tener múltiples etiologías y manifestaciones clínicas. Es una entidad potencialmente grave que amenaza la visión del paciente y puede causar ceguera. Objetivos: describir los fundamentos teóricos que sustentan el uso de los colirios fortificados en el tratamiento de la úlcera grave de la córnea, identificar las variables clínico epidemiológicas del grupo de estudio, establecer el diagnóstico clínico y etiológico de la úlcera corneal y evaluar la evolución de la enfermedad y la incidencia de complicaciones. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva, transversal, en el período entre enero del 2015 y enero del 2016. Se tuvo en consideración los pacientes con diagnóstico de úlcera grave de la córnea que ingresaron en el centro hospitalario .La muestra estuvo conformada por 23 pacientes con diagnóstico de úlcera grave de la córnea. Resultados: de los 23 pacientes diagnosticados la úlcera grave de la córnea predominó en el sexo masculino y mayores de 60 años de edad. Predominó la etiología bacteriana y la úlcera central profunda. Dentro de los factores de riesgo ocular los resultados señalan como principal factor el trauma ocular (56,5%), el uso de antibiótico tópico y sistémico por tiempo prolongado. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento tópico con colirio fortificado, entre las complicaciones se presentó el descematocele en un 30,4 % de los casos. Conclusiones: La fundamentación teórica de los colirios fortificados y los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación, demuestran la eficacia del uso en la úlcera grave de la córnea (AU).

Introduction: the corneal ulcer is a suppurated inflammation that may have several etiologies and clinical manifestations. It is a potentially serious entity endangering the patient´s vision and could cause blindness. Objective: to describe the theoretical fundaments supporting the use of fortified eye drops in the treatment of severe corneal ulcer; to identify the clinic-epidemiological variables of the studied group; to arrive to the clinical and etiological diagnosis of the corneal ulcer and to assess disease evolution and complications incidence. Materials and methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional research was carried out in the period from January 2015 to January 2016. The patients diagnosed with severe corneal ulcer who were admitted in the hospital were taken into consideration. The sample was formed by 23 patients diagnosed with severe corneal ulcer. Results: among the 23 patients diagnosed with severe corneal ulcer predominated male sex and people aged more than 60 years. The bacterial etiology and deep central ulcer predominated. As for the ocular risk factors, the results show ocular trauma as main factor (56.5 %) and the use of systemic and topical antibiotic for a long time. All the patients were topically treated with fortified eye drops. Descematocele was found among the complications in 30.4 % of the cases. Conclusions: the theoretical fundament of the fortified eye drops and the results obtained in this research show the efficacy of their use in the severe corneal ulcer (AU).

Epidemiological profile of infectious keratitis / Perfil epidemiológico da ceratite infecciosa

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the epidemiologic aspects of cornea ulcers in a referred ophthalmology private practice center. Methods: Retrospective study over electronic files of patients treated for corneal ulcers during a period of 7 years by the same physician (RJMF) at Centro de Olhos São Francisco, between june 2007 and june 2014. These patients were evaluated for risk factors such as: trauma causes, co-morbidities and contact lenses use. They were also evaluated by the microorganism found at the smears, treatment and patient's outcome. Patients that didn't return with the smears results or that didn´t have a complete follow-up were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 242 patients were fully treated during this period. 55 patients were excluded and 187 patients were included. 28.88% (54/187) were positive for gram negative bacteria, 27.81% (52/187) for filamentous fungi, 16.04% (29/187) for gram positive bacteria and only 1.07% for acanthamoeba. Twenty-four patients had negative cultures and 21 patients had combined infections (bacteria + fungi or other combination). Corneal collagen Cross-linking was effective on melting arrest in 16 of the 16 patients that we have submitted to this procedure during 2008 and 2009. Among all the patients that had corneal infection and were previously using contact lenses, 81% were infected by pseudomonas or pseudomonas associated with other gram negative bacteria. Filamentous fungi had a strong association with physical trauma. While use of saline solution for contact lenses cleaning had a strong association with gram negative bacteria and biological trauma, a strong association with combined infection. Conclusion: Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas) followed by filamentous fungi (Fusarium sp) were the most frequent etiologic agent found in our study. Cross-link was effective on corneal melting arrest. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent isolated agent on hydrophilic contact lenses wearers.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os aspectos epidemiológicos de úlceras de córnea em um centro privado de referência oftalmológica. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo a partir de arquivos eletrônicos de pacientes tratados por úlceras de córnea durante um período de 7 anos pelo mesmo médico (RJMF) no Centro de Olhos São Francisco, entre Junho de 2007 e Junho de 2014. Estes pacientes foram avaliados quanto a fatores de risco, trauma, co-morbidades, uso de lentes de contato, tipo de microrganismo encontrado, tratamento e evolução do doente. Os pacientes que não retornaram com os resultados das culturas ou que não possuíam um seguimento completo foram excluídos do estudo. Resultados: Um total de 242 pacientes foram tratados durante este período. 55 pacientes foram excluídos e 187 foram incluídos no estudo. 28,88% (54/187) foram positivos para as bactérias gram-negativas, 27,81% (52/187) para fungos filamentosos, 16,04% (29/187) para as bactérias gram-positivas e apenas 1,07% para acanthamoeba. Vinte e quatro pacientes tiveram culturas negativas e 21 pacientes tinham infecções combinadas (bactérias fungos + ou outra combinação). O Cross-link foi eficaz em interromper o melting em 16 dos 16 pacientes que se submeteram a este procedimento durante 2008 e 2009. Entre todos os pacientes que tiveram infecção de córnea e usavam previamente lentes de contato, 81% foram infectados por pseudomonas isolada ou pseudomonas associada ou não a outras bactérias gram-negativas. Os fungos filamentosos tiveram uma forte associação com trauma físico, uso de solução salina para a limpeza de lentes de contato teve uma forte associação com bactérias gram- negativas e trauma biológico, uma forte associação com a infecção combinada. Conclusão: Bactérias Gram negativas (em especial, Pseudomonas) seguido por fungos filamentosos (Fusarium sp) foram os agentes etiológicos mais freqüentemente encontrados em nosso estudo. O Cross-linking foi eficaz em interromper o melting de córnea. Pseudomonas aeruginosa foi o agente isolado mais frequente em usuários de lente de contato hidrofílica.

Úlceras corneales bacterianas: actualización terapéutica / Bacterial corneal ulcers: update on treatment

Las úlceras corneales constituyen un problema de salud visual frecuente en las consultas de Oftalmología. En ocasiones, su causa puede ser imprecisa, y las consecuencias de un error en el diagnóstico o en el tratamiento pueden ser graves. Esta entidad reviste gran importancia por su repercusión en la visión y las secuelas que suelen acompañar la recuperación del paciente, por lo que realizamos una búsqueda actualizada de los últimos diez años de diversos artículos publicados para profundizar en el diagnóstico clínico-etiológico y en el tratamiento(AU)

Corneal ulcers represent a frequent visual health problem in ophthalmology. The cause may be inaccurate sometimes and the consequences of an error in diagnosis or treatment can be severe. This feature is of great importance because of its impact on the vision and the sequelae that may accompany the patient's recovery; therefore, we made a literature review of several articles for the last ten years to delve into the clinical and etiological diagnosis and into treatment(AU)

Corneal ulcer: a retrospective study of a cases seen at the Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Espirito Santo / Úlcera de córnea: estudo retrospectivo de casos atendidos no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo

Purpose: To identify the major etiological agents of UC in the main referral center for this disease in the state of Espírito Santo (Hospital Universitario Cassiano Antonio de Moraes – HUCAM). Methods: This is a retrospective study of UC cases that underwent microbiological analysis from january 2009 to june 2013 at HUCAM. Results: Three hundred ninety-eight cases were studied. Microbiological cultures were positive in 60% and negative in 40% of cases. The Gram stain was positive in 28%, negative in 61% and was not performed in 11%.Among the total number of tests, 16.3% were classified as insufficient material for analysis.The microbiological examination, including gram stain and culture, was positive in 250 tests (62.8%). It was identified bacteria in 48%, fungi in 17.6% and protozoa in 0,8% of cases. Conclusions: The study identified the main etiological agents involved in the UC at HUCAM. Hence, it provides data that can help physicians to do a better presumptive diagnosis and a more appropirate initial empirical treatment when indicated. Gram positive bacteria and filamentous fungi have a prominent role in the etiology of UC in ES.

Objetivo: Identificar os principais agentes etiológicos das úlceras de córnea atendidas no principal centro de referência para esta moléstia no estado do Espírito Santo (Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio de Moraes – HUCAM). Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de prontuários, identificados por meio dos registros do laboratório de microbiologia do HUCAM, dos casos de úlcera de córnea submetidos à coleta de material para análise microbiológica no período de janeiro de 2009 a junho de 2013. Resultados: Dos 398 casos foram estudados e o resultado da cultura foi positivo em 60% e negativo em 40% dos casos. A bacterioscopia foi positiva em 28%, negativa em 61% e não foi realizada em 11%. Dentre o total de exames, 16,3% foram classificados como material insuficiente para análise. O exame microbiológico, incluindo bacterioscopia e cultura, foi positivo em 250 exames (62,8%), sendo identificado bactérias em 48% dos casos, fungos em 17,6% e protozoários em 0,8%. Conclusão: Este trabalho identificou os principais agentes etiológicos envolvidos na UC atendidas no HUCAM. Desta forma, fornecemos subsídios para um melhor o diagnóstico presuntivo e condução mais apropriada do tratamento empírico inicial, quando indicado. As bactérias Gram-positivas e fungos filamentosos apresentam papel de destaque na etiologia das UC no ES.

An uncommon ocular manifestation of Sweet syndrome: peripheral ulcerative keratitis and nodular scleritis / Uma manifestação ocular rara de síndrome de Sweet: ceratite ulcerativa periférica e esclerite nodular

Sweet syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) is characterized by fever, neutrophilic leukocytosis, and abrupt appearance of painful erythematous nodules and plaques, particularly on the face, neck, and limbs. In this study, we report a very rare case of Sweet syndrome in which the patient presented nodular scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis during the dermatologically inactive period of the disease.

A síndrome de Sweet (dermatose neutrofílica febril aguda) é caracterizada por febre, leucocitose neutrofílica, aparecimento abrupto de nódulos eritematosos dolorosos e placas, principalmente na face, pescoço e membros. Neste artigo, relatamos um caso muito raro de síndrome de Sweet, que tinha esclerite nodular e ceratite ulcerativa periférica no período dermatologicamente inativo da doença.

Epidemiological and microbiological profile of infective keratitis in Ahmedabad.

Context: Study of patients attending tertiary care ophthalmology institute at Ahmedabad. Aims: To study the microbiological etiology and epidemiological factors associated with suppurative keratitis. Settings and Design: A total of 150 corneal scrapings were evaluated from patients presenting with corneal ulcers at a tertiary ophthalmology center, Ahmedabad from July 2007 to June 2008. Materials and Methods: Scrapings were subjected to Gram stain, potassium hydroxide preparation and culture for bacterial and fungal pathogens. Socio-demographic data and risk factors were recorded. Results: Ninety percent (135/150) people with corneal ulcers had trauma as predisposing factor for keratitis. Trauma due to wooden objects was the leading cause (46/135) followed by vegetable matter and stone injury (23/135). Microbial etiology was established in 59.3% (89/150) of scrapings. Out of 89 positive isolates, 65.1% (58/89) were bacterial while 34.9% (31/89) were fungal. Among the bacterial isolates, 60.3% (35/58) were Gram-positive cocci while 39.7% (23/58) were Gram-negative bacilli. The most common bacterial isolate was Staphylococus aureus (32.7%, 19/58) followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococci (25.8%, 15/58) and Pseudomonas (18.9%, 11/58). Among the 31 fungal pathogens, Aspergillus species was the most common (35.4%11/31), followed by Fusarium species (22.5%, 7/31). Conclusion: Trauma with wooden material is the most common predisposing factor for suppurative keratitis. Males were more affected than females. Bacterial ulcers were more common than fungal in areas in and around Ahmedabad. Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus were the commonest bacterial and fungal isolates respectively. Geographical variation persists in microbial etiology of suppurative keratitis.

Neurotrophic Corneal Ulcer Development Following Cataract Surgery with a Limbal Relaxing Incision

A 60-year-old man with bilateral corneal opacity underwent cataract extraction surgery involving the use of a limbal relaxing incision in his left eye. He had lower lid ectropion and lagophthalmos in both eyes. Eleven days after the surgery, a slit-lamp examination revealed a neurotrophic corneal ulcer with a punch-out epithelial defect and rolled edges at the center of the pre-existing corneal opacity. The patient was treated with sodium hyaluronate, autologous serum, and oral doxycycline. Six weeks after the surgery an improvement in corneal sensation was observed and the neurotrophic corneal ulcer subsequently healed over the course of one year. In this report, we present a case of neurotrophic keratitis that occurred after performing cataract surgery concurrent with a limbal relaxing incision. As such, we suggest that limbal relaxing incisions should be performed cautiously in patients with causative risk factors for corneal hypesthesia.

Contact lens induced corneal ulcer management in a tertiary eye unit in Oman - a descriptive study

The corneal disease is a priority problem in Oman. We present patients with contact lens [CL] induced severe keratitis, admitted in the corneal unit of Al Nahdha Hospital in Oman. The study was conducted in 2005-2006. Ophthalmologists examined the eyes using slit lamp bio-microscope. Visual acuity was noted using Snellen's distance vision chart. Specimens of corneal scraping and CLs were sent for culture and sensitivity tests. Patients with severe keratitis were admitted and treated with medicines. Corneal and visual statuses were noted at the time of discharge from hospital and after six weeks. Numbers, percentages and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Pre- and post-treatment vision were compared using a scattergram. The 52 eyes of 15 males and 37 female patients with corneal ulcers were examined. Thirty-two patients were between 20 to 30 years of age. Only 13 [25%] patients had visited an ophthalmologist within 24 hours of developing severe keratitis. Seventeen [33%] had central ulcers and six [11.5%] had ulcer >/= 5 mm in size. Pseudomonas was found in 29 [55.8%] of CL and corneal material scraped from the eyes of 15 [28.8%] patients. Vision was < 6/60 [legally blind] in 12 [23.1%] eyes before and in five [9.6%] eyes after treatment. Twenty-six [50%] patients were lost to follow up. CL related severe keratitis causes visual disabilities. Prevention and proper records are essential. Treatment improves vision and hence facilities for management should be strengthened

A study of the spectrum of Acanthamoeba keratitis: a three-year study at a tertiary eye care referral center in South India.

PURPOSE: To determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Acanthamoeba keratitis and also to determine the sensitivity and specificity of smears in the detection of Acanthamoeba. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all culture-positive cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis seen between October 1999 and August 2002 was performed. Corneal scrapes were subjected to culture and microscopy using standard protocols. RESULTS: Out of 3183 consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed corneal ulcers evaluated, 33 (1.04%) were found to be due to Acanthamoeba. Twenty-four out of 33 (72.72%) were less than 51 years of age (P<0.001). All patients were from rural areas (P<0.001) and 26 (78.79%) of them were agricultural workers (P=0.031). All 33 had history of corneal injury (P<0.001) and 28 (84.85%) patients had injury with mud (P<0.001). All 33 (100%) patients had previous medical treatment (P=0.009) and 10 (30.3%) had used traditional eye medicines (P=0.183). A clinical pattern of ring infiltrate was characteristic in 15 (45.45%) patients. The diameter of the corneal ulcer was more than 6 mm in 27 (81.82%) eyes (P<0.001). Twenty-six (78.79%) patients had visual acuity of perception of light on initial presentation (P<0.001) and 24 (72.73%) had the same as their final visual outcome. The sensitivity of 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation was found to be higher (P<0.001) in the detection of Acanthamoeba cysts. CONCLUSION: The incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis amongst the corneal ulcer patients was 1% in this setting and it was mainly due to corneal injury by mud. The KOH preparation is a sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of Acanthamoeba. Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy results in poor visual outcome.

Severe post thermal burn cicatricial ectropion with corneal ulceration: an illustrative case.

Management of postburn cicatricial ectroption of the upper lid is always a challenge for the oculoplastic surgeon, as they are often associated with exposure keratitis and ulceration. Traditionally, split thickness grafts have been described for upper lid reconstruction and tarsorrhaphies have been discouraged. We present a case of corneal ulceration associated with postburn cicatricial ectropion presenting 10 years following the initial trauma. The patient underwent full thickness skin grafting and tarsorrhaphy to release the ectropion with resolution of corneal ulceration. We believe that full thickness skin grafts and tarsorrhaphy are effective in correcting upper lid cicatricial ectropion, without functional compromise.

Fungal keratitis due to fusarium solani

A young man presented with swelling, congestion and lacrimation of right eye for one week. On examination, he had corneal ulcer. Corneal scrapings on lactophenol cotton blue stain revealed fungal hyphae. Culture on Sabouraud agar yielded Fusarium solani after 48 hours. Patient was treated with ketoconazole and miconazole and responded well

Bacteriological and mycological study of corneal ulcers in and around Aurangabad.

In the present study an attempt was made to find out bacteria and fungi causing corneal ulcers. Sixty cases of corneal ulcer were studied. Corneal scrapings from patient of corneal ulcer were collected and processed for isolation of bacterial and fungal agents. The commonest age group affected was 21-30 yrs. Incidence of corneal ulcer was more in males 39 (65%) as compared to females 21 (35%). Trauma was the commonest predisposing factor. Out of sixty cases of corneal ulcer positive cultures were obtained in 23 (38.33%). Bacteria were isolated in 10 (16.66%) fungi in 12 (20%) and mixed culture in 1 (1.66%) of the patients. Among the bacterial isolates commonest was Staphylococcus aureus 6 (10%). Among fungal isolates Fusarium species was the commonest isolate 4 (6.66).

Pythium corneal ulcer in Ramathibodi Hospital.

This is a retrospective study of corneal ulcers caused by Pythium insidiosum in Ramathibodi Hospital from 1988 to 1998. The clinical data was from the medical records of 10 patients, of which 8 had complete information. Mean age of the patients was 49.8 years old and seven were farmers. Initial visual acuity was mostly below finger counts. All manifested as fungal corneal ulcers, diagnosis of Pythium insidiosum was confirmed by histology. After failed medication, penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was performed in order to remove the infected tissue. One patient had only anterior lamella keratectomy performed and was completely cured. Seven other patients had to have their eyes removed (evisceration or enucleation) to be cured. The study shows that Pythium corneal ulcer is rare but devastating. Patients with an agricultural occupation are most at risk. Antibiotics and antifungals could not control or cure this disease, so education for people at high risk is advocated.