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.

Alternativas terapéuticas de la úlcera corneal infecciosa / Therapeutic alternativesfor the infectious corneal ulcer

Introducción: La úlcera corneal infecciosa es una afección frecuente en la consulta de oftalmología. Su resolución es un problema de salud a resolver, pues los tratamientos convencionales no siempre garantizan una evolución favorable de los casos diagnosticados debido a la resistencia microbiana, por lo que se siguen buscando alternativas terapéuticas. Objetivo: Describir las alternativas de tratamiento en la úlcera corneal infecciosa para minimizar sus secuelas y disminuir la ceguera por esta enfermedad. Desarrollo: La administración tópica de antibióticos de amplio espectro sigue siendo el método preferido para el tratamiento farmacológico de las úlceras corneales infecciosas, a pesar de los informes de fracasos clínicos por la resistencia a los antibióticos, por lo que se investiga acerca del uso de nuevas alternativas terapéuticas que minimicen las secuelas de esta enfermedad.Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la evidencia científica en los últimos diez años en diversos artículos, en los que se constató la aplicación de diferentes sustancias como tratamiento alternativo. Conclusiones: En la úlcera corneal infecciosa el tratamiento protocolizado combinado con sustancias alternativas, que tienen en común una actividad de amplio espectro, resultaría ser ventajoso por ser productos económicos y seguros, que han demostrado un gran poder bactericida. Se propone generalizar el uso de estos compuestos, dada la resistencia de los microorganismos al tratamiento convencional; lo que hace que la úlcera corneal sea un problema de salud a resolver.

Introduction: The infectious corneal ulcer is a frequent disorder in the ophthalmology outpatient department, its solution is a health problem to be solved, as the conventional treatments don't always guarantee a favorable clinical course of the diagnosed cases. Because of the microbial resistance, so that therapeutic alternatives are still looked for. Objective: To describe the treatment alternatives in the infectious corneal ulcer for minimizing their sequelae and to decrease blindness due to this disease. Development: The topical administration of wide spectrum antibiotics continues being the favorite method for the pharmacological treatment of the infectious corneal ulcers, in spite of the clinical failures reports caused by the resistance to antibiotics, that is why the use of new therapeutic alternatives minimizing the sequels of this disease is investigated. Method: A systematic review of the scientific evidence in the last ten years was carried out on several works, in which it was evidenced the use of different substances as alternative treatment. Conclusions: In the infectious corneal ulcer the protocolized treatment combined with alternative substances which have in common a wide spectrum activity would turn out to be advantageous as they are economic and sure products which have demonstrated a great power against bacteria. The use of these compounds could be generalized, given the resistance of organisms to the conventional treatment; what makes the corneal ulcer a health problem to be solved.

Úlceras corneales en pacientes atendidos en el Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", Guantánamo 2014-2019 / Corneal ulcers in patients treated at the General Teaching Hospital "Dr. Agostinho Neto", Guantanamo 2014-2019 / Úlceras de córnea em pacientes atendidos no Hospital Geral de Ensino "Dr. Agostinho Neto ", Guantánamo 2014-2019

RESUMEN Introducción: Las úlceras corneales no se han caracterizado en el Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto" de Guantánamo. Objetivo: Caracterizar la úlcera corneal en pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Oftalmología de este hospital en el período de enero 2014 a julio 2019. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y longitudinal con 40 pacientes. Se estudiaron las variables: sexo, edad, procedencia, ocupación, factores de riesgo, etiología, tratamiento y complicaciones de este tipo de úlcera y las modificaciones de la agudeza visual de acuerdo al tratamiento que se les aplicó. Resultados: El 75,0 % de los pacientes fue del sexo masculino que tenían 65 o más años de edad (47,5 %), procedían de áreas rurales (72,5 %) y realizaban actividades agrícolas (45,0 %). El trauma corneal fue el factor de riesgo más usual (25,0 %). En el 47,5 % la úlcera fue de etiología micótica. El 100 % recibió tratamiento farmacológico, sobre todo con colirio antibiótico fortificado (25,0 %). Se le aplicó tratamiento quirúrgico al 27,5 %, la técnica más común fue el recubrimiento conjuntival (15,0 %). La agudeza visual mejoró en el 75,0 % de los pacientes luego del tratamiento. Conclusiones: En el Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto" la úlcera corneal no es un problema de salud, pero sí determina la agudeza visual de los pacientes afectados, en los que es más común la etiología micótica y la necesidad del uso de colirios fortificados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Corneal ulcers have not been characterized in the General Teaching Hospital "Dr. Agostinho Neto" from Guantanamo. Objective: To characterize the corneal ulcer in patients treated in the Ophthalmology Service of this hospital in the period from January 2014 to July 2019. Method: A descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal study was carried out with 40 patients. The variables were studied: sex, age, origin, occupation, risk factors, etiology, treatment and complications of this type of ulcer and the modifications of visual acuity according to the treatment applied to them. Results: 75.0% of the patients were male who were 65 years of age or older (47.5%), came from rural areas (72.5%) and carried out agricultural activities (45.0%). Corneal trauma was the most usual risk factor (25.0%). In 47.5% the ulcer was of fungal etiology. 100% received drug treatment, especially with fortified antibiotic eye drops (25.0%). Surgical treatment was applied to 27.5%, the most common technique was the conjunctival lining (15.0%). Visual acuity improved in 75.0% of patients after treatment. Conclusions: In the General Teaching Hospital "Dr. Agostinho Neto" corneal ulcer is not a health problem, but it does determine the visual acuity of affected patients, in which the fungal etiology and the need for the use of fortified eye drops are more common.

RESUMO Introdução: As úlceras de córnea não foram caracterizadas no Hospital Geral de Ensino "Dr. Agostinho Neto "de Guantánamo. Objetivo: Caracterizar a úlcera de córnea nos pacientes atendidos no Serviço de Oftalmologia deste hospital no período de janeiro de 2014 a julho de 2019. Método: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e longitudinal, realizado com 40 pacientes. As variáveis estudadas foram: sexo, idade, procedência, ocupação, fatores de risco, etiologia, tratamento e complicações desse tipo de úlcera e as modificações da acuidade visual de acordo com o tratamento a elas aplicado. Resultados: 75,0% dos pacientes eram homens com 65 anos ou mais (47,5%), procedentes de áreas rurais (72,5%) e realizando atividades agrícolas (45,0%). O trauma corneano foi o fator de risco mais comum (25,0%). Em 47,5%, a úlcera era de etiologia fúngica. 100% receberam tratamento medicamentoso, especialmente com colírios antibióticos fortificados (25,0%). O tratamento cirúrgico foi aplicado em 27,5%, a técnica mais comum foi o revestimento conjuntival (15,0%). A acuidade visual melhorou em 75,0% dos pacientes após o tratamento. Conclusões: No Hospital Geral de Ensino "Dr. A úlcera de córnea de Agostinho Neto não é um problema de saúde, mas determina a acuidade visual dos pacientes afetados, nos quais a etiologia fúngica e a necessidade do uso de colírios fortificados são mais comuns.

Úlcera corneal micótica por Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Reporte de caso / Fungal corneal ulcer by Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Case report

Introducción: La úlcera corneal de etiología micótica por Lasiodiplodia theobromae es una patología infrecuente con menos de 50 casos de infección ocular por este patógeno reportados en la literatura. Objetivo: Dar a conocer un caso de una patología poco frecuente, haciendo una breve revisión de la literatura, y discutiendo el tratamiento elegido que resultó favorable. Diseño del estudio: Reporte de caso. Resumen del caso: Se presenta el caso de un paciente atendido en el Hospital Universitario de Santander (HUS) durante los años 2015 - 2017 con antecedente de trauma ocular con material vegetal quien desarrolla úlcera corneal micótica por Lasiodiplodia theobromae, que se confi rmó usando análisis microbiológico del frotis corneal. Se instauró tratamiento con una combinación de antimicóticos con un resultado final satisfactorio. Conclusión: L. theobromae es un patógeno oportunista. La importancia del diagnóstico precoz en estos casos, que requiere un alto índice de sospecha en pacientes con trauma vegetal, con la identificación del agente etiológico radica en evitar o minimizar consecuencias irreversibles mediante la instauración de un tratamiento oportuno.

Background: The corneal ulcer of mycotic etiology caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae is an infrequent pathology with less than 50 cases of ocular infection by this pathogen reported in the literature. Objective: To present a case of a rare pathology, make a brief literature review, and discuss the chosen treatment that was favorable. Study design: Case report. Case summary: We present the case of a patient treated at the Hospital Universitario de Santander (HUS) during the years 2015 - 2017 with a history of ocular trauma with plant material who developed fungal corneal ulcer by Lasiodiplodia theobromae, which was confi rmed using microbiological analysis of the corneal smear. Treatment with a combination of antifungals was established with a satisfactory final result. Conclusion: L. theobromae is an opportunistic pathogen. The importance of early diagnosis in these cases, which requires a high index of suspicion in patients with plant trauma, with the identifi cation of the etiological agent lies in avoiding or minimizing irreversible consequences through the establishment of an opportune treatment.

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.

Síndrome de Goldenhar / Goldenhar syndrome

RESUMO Os autores apresentam um caso de síndrome de Goldenhar, com seus aspectos característicos e variações, observando uma criança do sexo masculino de 4 anos de idade no Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital São José na cidade de Teresópolis (RJ). O diagnóstico foi concluído devido às alterações externas e internas do paciente após ter sido avaliado pela pediatria, genética, otorrinolaringologia e oftalmologia. O espectro óculo-aurículo-vertebral (EOAV) conhecida como Síndrome de Goldenhar é uma condição rara, complexa e fenotipicamente variável. De origem ainda desconhecida é caracterizada por cistos dermóides epibulbares, apêndices auriculares e hipoplasia mandibular. Objetivamos com este relato de caso, dada a raridade desta síndrome e variedades do espectro de apresentação, aumentar o conhecimento da classe médica sobre este assunto, para facilitar seu reconhecimento e auxiliar condutas perante casos futuros.

ABSTRACT The authors present a case of Goldenhar syndrome, with its characteristic features and variations. A male child of four years old at the Ophthalmology Service, Hospital São José The diagnosis was completed due to external and internal changes of the patient, after being evaluated by pediatrics, genetics, otolaryngology and ophthalmology.The oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) known as Goldenhar Syndrome is a rare, complex and phenotypically variable condition, of still unknown origin is characterized by dermoid cysts epibulbar, auricular appendices and mandibular hypoplasia. We aim to case report, given the rarity of this syndrome and varieties of presentation spectrum, increase knowledge of the medical profession on this subject, to facilitate recognition and help conduct before future cases.

Caracterización clinicoepidemiológica y microbiológica en úlceras corneales bacterianas y micóticas / Clinical, epidemiological and microbiological characterization of bacterial and mycotic ulcers

Objetivo: describir la asociación entre aspectos clinicoepidemiológicos y los resultados microbiológicos en pacientes con queratitis infecciosa ingresados en el Servicio de Córnea del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer en el período 2010-2014. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, de corte transversal, de 39 ojos. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, tiempo de evolución, tratamiento previo con antibióticos, factores predisponentes y concordancia del tratamiento empírico. Se utilizaron medidas de resumen para variables cualitativas y cuantitativas, prueba no paramétrica de probabilidad exacta de Fisher, prueba de Chi cuadrado de Pearson y Prueba U de Mann Whitney. Resultados: en los aislamientos de bacterias, el 42,3 por ciento de los pacientes eran menores de 30 años; 53,8 por ciento pertenecían al sexo femenino y el tiempo de evolución promedio fue de 7 días. Los factores predisponentes fueron: enfermedad ocular previa (23,1 %), uso de lentes de contacto (30,8 por ciento) y enfermedades sistémicas (11,5 por ciento). Los mayores de 69 años (46,5 por ciento), el sexo masculino (92,3 por ciento); el tiempo de evolución promedio de 14,5 días y el antecedente de traumatismo ocular no quirúrgico (15,4 por ciento) se observaron en aislamientos micóticos. La perforación corneal se produjo en el 7,7 por ciento de los crecimientos bacterianos; en crecimientos micóticos el 15,4 por ciento desarrolló descemetocele y el 23,1 por ciento perforación corneal. Se realizó queratoplastia penetrante en el 30,8 por ciento(AU) Conclusiones: los aislamientos bacterianos son más frecuentes en pacientes jóvenes, del sexo femenino y con antecedentes de enfermedad ocular previa y uso de lentes de contacto, mientras que la etiología micótica se produce en pacientes del sexo masculino, mayores de 60 años y con antecedentes de trauma corneal no quirúrgico

Objective: to describe the association of clinical and epidemiological aspects with the microbiological results of patients with infectious keratitis, who were admitted to the corneal service of "Ramon Pando Ferrer" Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology in the period of 2010 to 2014. Methods: cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study of 39 eyes. The analyzed variables were age, sex, time of progression, previous antibiotic treatment, predisposing factors and agreement of the empirical treatment. Summary measures for qualitative and quantitative variables; non-parametric Fisher´s exact probability test, Pearson´s Chi square test, and Mann Whitney's U test. Results: in the bacterial isolates, 42.3 percent of patients were younger than 30 years; 53.8 percent were females and average time of progression of disease was 7 days. The predisposing factors were previous eye disease (23.1 percent), use of contact lenses (30.8 percent) and systemic diseases (11.5 percent). Regarding mycotic isolates, patients aged over 69 years (46.5 percent), males (92.3 percent), average time of progression of 14.5 percent and history of non surgical ocular trauma (15.4 percent) predominated. The corneal perforation occurred in 7.7 percent of bacterial infection whereas 15.4 percent developed descemetocele and 23.1 percent corneal perforation in the mycotic infection group. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in 30.8 percent of patients. Conclusions: bacterial isolates were more frequent in young female patients with a history of previous ocular diseases and contact lenses whereas mycotic etiology was more commonly observed in males over 60 years and history of non surgical corneal trauma(AU)

Comportamiento clinicoepidemiológico de los pacientes con diagnóstico de úlcera grave de la córnea / Clinical and epidemiological behavior of patients suffering severe corneal ulcers

Objetivo: describir el comportamiento clinicoepidemiológico de la úlcera grave de la córnea en pacientes ingresados en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer, entre los años 2010 y 2014. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, de corte transversal, de 223 pacientes. Se estudiaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, procedencia, ocupación, enfermedades oculares y sistémicas, cirugía previa, trauma no quirúrgico, uso de lentes de contacto, esteroides previos, tiempo de evolución, forma clínica y germen aislado. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizaron porcentajes, media, prueba no paramétrica de probabilidad exacta de Fisher, chi cuadrado de Pearson y prueba U de Mann Whitney. Resultados: la edad promedio fue de 46,3 ± 21,9. Predominaron los pacientes con edades de 60 años o más (31,4 por ciento), sexo masculino (57,0 por ciento), procedencia rural (57,8 por ciento). El uso de lentes de contacto (22,4 por ciento) fue el factor predisponente más frecuente. La mediana de los días de evolución al ingreso fue de 7,0 días. La forma clínica de presentación más frecuente fue la úlcera estromal (86,5 por ciento) y la úlcera corneal perforada (7,2 por ciento). En el 69,2 por ciento de los cultivos se obtuvieron bacterias, a predominio de las gram negativas (Pseudomona). El 33,3 por ciento correspondió a hongos filamentosos. Conclusiones: la queratitis infecciosa grave se caracteriza por su presencia en adultos mayores, sexo masculino y procedencia rural. El factor predisponente más frecuente es el uso de lentes de contacto. Las bacterias gram negativas se aíslan con mayor frecuencia(AU)

Objective: to describe the clinical and epidemiological behavior of severe corneal ulcer in patients admitted to Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from 2010 through 2014. Methods: observational and cross-sectional study of 223 patients.. The following variables were studied: age, sex, origin, occupation, eye and systemic diseases, previous surgery, non-surgical trauma, contact lens wear, previous steroids, duration, clinical form and isolated germ. For the statistical analysis, the study used percentages, means, nonparametric Fisher´s exact probability test, Pearson´s Chi Square, Mann Whitney´s U test. Results: mean age was 46,3 ± 21,9. Patients aged 60 years or older (31,4 percent), males (57,0 percent), rural origin (57,8 percent) predominated. Wearing contact lenses (22,4 percent) was the most common predisposing factor. The median of days of progression on admission was 7 days. The most frequent clinical form of presentation was stromal ulcer (86,5 percent) and perforated corneal ulcer (7,2 percent). In 69,2 percent of cultures, bacteria was obtained, being the Gram negative (Pseudomonas) predominant. The 33,3 percent of cultures were filamentous fungi. Conclusions: severe infectious keratitis was present in older adults, males and of rural origin. The most common predisposing factor was the contact lens wear. Gram negative bacteria were more frequently isolated(AU)

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)

Sympathetic Ophthalmia after Ocular Wasp Sting

No abstract available.

Suero autólogo al 50 % en las queratitis bacterianas / 50 % autologous serum in bacterial keratitis

OBJETIVO: evaluar el comportamiento de las queratitis bacterianas con el tratamiento coadyuvante de suero autólogo tópico al 50 %. MÉTODOS: estudio comparativo, longitudinal y prospectivo. La muestra estuvo constituida por 60 pacientes, divididos de forma aleatoria en dos grupos: A) utilizó tratamiento antibiótico convencional y suero autólogo y B)utilizó solo tratamiento antibiótico convencional (cefazolina y amikacina). Los datos almacenados se procesaron utilizando el paquete estadístico SPSS 15. Las variables se expresaron según sus respectivas medidas de resumen y para la comparación de las terapias se aplicaron pruebas de hipótesis, con un nivel de confianza del 95 % y de error inferior al 0,05 %. RESULTADOS: predominaron en los aislamientos microbiológicos Staphylococcus y Pseudomonas; seguidas por los Streptococcus, gonococos y enterobacterias. En cuanto al tiempo de aparición de los signos que favorecen la cicatrización corneal y la respuesta terapéutica, encontramos que con la aplicación tópica del suero autólogo, en casi dos tercios de los pacientes, estos se manifestaron a partir de la segunda semana de tratamiento y se obtuvo una respuesta terapéutica favorable. CONCLUSIONES: el suero autólogo al 50 % resulta ser un complemento terapéutico efectivo en el manejo de las queratitis infecciosas de etiología bacteriana.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the behavior of bacterial keratitis with the adjuvant 50% topical autologous serum treatment. METHODS: comparative, longitudinal and prospective study of 60 patients, randomly distributed into two groups. Group A used the conventional antibiotics treatment plus autologous serum and Group B used only conventional antibiotics treatment (cephazolin and amykacin). The collected data were processed by the statistical package SPSS15. The variables were expressed according to their respective summary measures and hypothesis tests were applied to compare the two therapies; a confidence level of 95 % and error level less than 0,05 % were used. RESULTS: in the microbiological isolates, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas prevailed, followed by Streptococcus, gonococci and Enterobacteriaceae. Regarding the time of onset of the signs that favor corneal healing and the therapeutic response, it was found that with the topical application of the autologous serum, almost two thirds of the patients showed healing signs since the second week of treatment, revealing a favorable therapeutic response. CONCLUSIONS: the 50 % autologous serum proves to be an effective therapeutic complement in the management of the infectious keratitis of bacterial etiology.

Efeito terapêutico do crosslinking corneal na ceratite infecciosa / Therapeutic effect of corneal crosslinking on infectious keratitis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do crosslinking (CXL) no tratamento de ceratite infecciosa, resistente ao tratamento clínico, e investigar a relação com o agente etiológico. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 11 pacientes com diagnóstico de ceratite infecciosa de etiologia bacteriana (sete olhos) e fúngica (quatro olhos) na Fundação Altino Ventura (FAV) no período de outubro de 2011 a maio de 2012. Os pacientes incluídos estavam em uso de colírios há pelo menos sete dias e não apresentavam melhora da infecção. Estes foram avaliados antes da realização do CXL e no período pós-operatório até cicatrização da úlcera. Para realização do CXL foram instiladas gotas de riboflavina a 0,1% e dextrano a 20%, a cada cinco minutos em um período de 30 minutos antes do procedimento, e durante a aplicação da luz ultravioleta A (UVA). A córnea foi exposta à UVA com comprimento de onda de 370ηm ± 5ηm e uma irradiância de 3mW/cm2. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com infecção bacteriana obtiveram cura do processo infeccioso após o CXL e nenhum paciente com ceratite fúngica apresentou cicatrização. Observou-se associação significante (p = 0,003) entre o agente etiológico e a cicatrização. CONCLUSÃO: O CXL mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento da ceratite bacteriana resistente ao tratamento clínico, evitando a realização de transplante tectônico. Em relação à ceratite fúngica, este procedimento não influenciou na melhora do processo infeccioso.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of corneal crosslinking (CXL) in the treatment of infectious keratitis resistant to medical treatment, and investigate the relation with the CXL outcome to the etiologic agent. METHODS: The study included 11 patients who were diagnosed with bacterial (seven eyes) or fungal keratitis (four eyes) at Altino Ventura Foundation from october 2011 to may 2012. All patients were using antibiotic eye drops for at least 7 days and have had no infection improvement. Patients were evaluated prior to CXL and the postoperative period until healing of the keratitis. For CXL, eyes were first instilled with a solution containing 0.1% riboflavin and 20% dextran for 30 min at a 5-minutes interval. Riboflavin-soaked eyes were then irradiated with UVA light (370ηm ± 5ηm) at 3mW/cm2 for 30 minutes. RESULTS: Eyes with bacterial infection exhibited improvement of infectious symptoms after CXL whereas eyes with fungal keratitis showed no improvement. Thus, there was a statistically significant correlation (p = 0.003) between the etiologic agent and the effectiveness of healing. CONCLUSION: CXL was effective in the treatment of bacterial keratitis resistant to clinical treatment, eliminating the need for surgery. However, CXL was not effective in managing fungal keratitis.

Úlcera de córnea por Pseudomonas stutzeri / Pseudomonas stutzeri corneal ulcer

Este relato aborda um caso atípico de úlcera de córnea em uma criança de 09 anos, causado pela bactéria Pseudomonas stutzeri, um micro-organismo oportunista cujo isolamento em olhos é extremamente raro.

This report discusses an unusual case of corneal ulcer in a child of 09 years old, caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas stutzeri, an opportunistic organism whose isolation in the eyes is extremely rare.

Mycotic corneal ulcers in upper Assam.

Purpose: To study the association of various risk factors and epidemiological variables of mycotic keratitis treated at a tertiary referral hospital of upper Assam. Materials and Methods: In this hospital-based prospective study a total of 310 consecutive corneal ulcer cases attending the ophthalmology outpatient department of Assam Medical College were enrolled between April 2007 and March 2009. After clinical and slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination in all suspected cases, smears and culture examination for fungus was done to establish the etiology. Demographic information and associated probable risk factors of individual cases were noted in a predesigned questionnaire. Results: In 188 (60.6%) cases fungal etiology could be established. Out of them 67.6% were males. The most commonly affected age group was 41-50 years (25.5%). The maximum (23.4%) cases were reported during the paddy harvesting season in Assam (January and February). Fungal element could be demonstrated in 65.2% cases in direct potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount. The commonest predisposing factor was corneal injury (74.5%). While diabetes was a significant systemic predisposing factor in mixed bacterial and fungal infections in 11.1% cases, blocked naso-lacrimal duct was the local predisposing factor in 11.1% of cases. Fusarium solani (25%) was the commonest isolate followed by Aspergillus species (19%), Curvularia species (18.5%) and Penicillium species (15.2%). Yeasts were isolated in 2.7% (n=5) cases. Conclusions: Ocular trauma was the commonest cause of fungal corneal ulcer in Assam and Fusarium solani was the commonest species responsible for it. Most of the mycotic ulcer cases come from rural areas including the tea gardens.

Úlcera de Mooren bilateral / Bilateral Mooren's ulcer

Objetivo: describir el caso de un paciente con úlcera de Mooren bilateral en el Hospital de San José. Metodología: revisión y análisis de historia clínica. Resultados: paciente de 21 años sin antecedentes sistémicos, de ocupación carnicero, que consultó por ojo rojo, fotofobia y lagrimeo en ojo izquierdo y ardor en el derecho de dos días de evolución. Refería haber presentado seis episodios similares en los últimos seis meses. Al examen se encontró una úlcera corneana periférica en OD entre meridianos 9:00 y 11:00 y en el OI entre 1:00 y 6:00, de forma alargada, con borde anterior serpiginoso, levantado, infiltrado y socavado, y con compromiso parcial del epitelio. Se diagnosticó úlcera de Mooren bilateral, se inició tratamiento tópico con prednisona, ciclosporina, diclofenaco, lubricantes, inhibidor de la colagenasa y lente de contacto terapéutico. Se solicitaron exámenes paraclínicos y valoración por medicina interna, descartando enfermedad sistémica asociada. Después se solicitaron linfocitos totales, linfocitos CD2, CD4 y CD8, C3, C4, IgA total sérica, anticuerpos anticisticerco y coproscópico seriado. Conclusiones: por la rareza de esta entidad en nuestro medio y por interés académico presentamos este caso, cuyo diagnóstico fue clínico, haciendo énfasis en las características biomicroscoscópicas de esta patología.

Objective: to describe the case of one man with bilateral Mooren´s ulcer diagnosed at Hospital de San José. Methodology: review and analysis of clinical record. Results: the patient is a 21-year old man with no systemic antecedents, he is a butcher and presented with a 2-day history of: red eye, photophobia and increased tears on left eye and burn sensation in right eye. He refers six similar episodes in the last six months. Medical examination revealed peripheral corneal ulcers located between meridians 9:00 and 11:00 in the right eye and between 1:00 and 6:00 in the left eye; ulcers were: elongated, sinuous, elevated, infiltrative, excavated and partially compromised the overlying epithelium. Diagnosis was: bilateral Mooren´s ulcers. Treatment with topical prednisone, cyclosporine, diclofenac, lubricants, collagenase inhibitors and therapeutic contact lenses was initiated. Lab work-up and internal medicine consultation ruled out associated systemic disease. Further lab work-up including total lymphocyte, CD2, CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte count, determination of C3, C4, total serum IgA, and cysticercoids antibodies and serial stool examination was requested. Conclusions: we report this case for this condition rarely occurs in our setting and for being of academic interest. The diagnosis was clinical, and biological/ microscopic features of this condition are highlighted.

Two Cases of Corneal Ulcer due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in High Risk Groups

Considering the popular use of antibiotic-containing eyedrops in Korea, it is important to know the emerging antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria before treating infectious eye diseases. This is especially important in high-risk groups because of the high incidence of resistant infections and the subsequent treatment requirements. We report two cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) corneal ulcers in high-risk groups. The first case involved a patient who had keratitis after using antibiotic- and steroid-containing eyedrops to treat a corneal opacity that developed after repeated penetrating keratoplasty. The second case involved a patient who used antibiotic-containing eyedrops and a topical lubricant on a regular basis for >1 month to treat exposure keratitis due to lagophthalmos. The second patient's problems, which included a persistent superficial infiltration, developed after brain tumor surgery. Both cases showed MRSA on corneal culture, and the corneal ulcers improved in both patients after the application of vancomycin-containing eyedrops. In conclusion, MRSA infection should be considered in corneal ulcers that have a round shape, mild superficial infiltration, and slow progression, especially in high-risk groups. This report includes descriptions of the characteristic features, antibiotic sensitivities, prevention, and successful treatment with vancomycin-containing eyedrops for MRSA corneal ulcers.