A case of late-onset Klebsiella oxytoca keratitis treated with topical imipenem after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty / Caso de ceratite de início tardio por Klebsiella oxytoca tratado com imipenem tópico após ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to discuss a case of late-onset Klebsiella oxytoca keratitis after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and its treatment. A 21-year-old female patient presented with redness and effluence in the left eye at 5 months after uncomplicated deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgery. In the examination, a single suture was loosened in the superior nasal region and there was an infiltration area and epithelial defect in the graft and recipient bed junction in the area of the loose suture. Topical fortified vancomycin and fortified ceftazidime treatment was started empirically hourly, but there was insufficient response. After K. Oxytoca growth in a swab and suture culture taken from the patient, fortified vancomycin was replaced with fortified imipenem. It was observed that the infiltration area rapidly regressed and the epithelial defect was closed after fortified imipenem treatment. Fortified imipenem may be considered as an alternative treatment, especially in cases in which there is no response to treatment and culture growth is detected.(AU)

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é discutir um caso de ceratite tardia por Klebsiella oxytoca, após ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda, bem como seu tratamento. Uma paciente de 21 anos apresentou vermelhidão e efluxo no olho esquerdo 5 meses após cirurgia de ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda sem complicações. Ao exame, havia uma única sutura solta na região nasal superior e uma área de infiltração com defeito epitelial no enxerto e na junção com o leito receptor na área da sutura solta. Iniciou-se empiricamente um tratamento tópico com vancomicina e ceftazidima fortificada de hora em hora, porém com resposta insuficiente. Após o crescimento de K. oxytoca a partir de cultura de swab e sutura retirados da paciente, a vancomicina fortificada foi substituída por imipenem fortificado. Observou-se que a área de infiltração regrediu rapidamente e que o defeito epitelial foi fechado com o tratamento com imipenem fortificado. O imipenem fortificado pode ser considerado um tratamento alternativo, especialmente nos casos sem resposta ao tratamento e detecção de crescimento na cultura.(AU)

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.

Infectious keratitis in southern Brazil: a comparison culture negative and culture positive patients / Ceratite infecciosa no sul do Brasil: comparação entre pacientes com cultura negativa e positiva

Abstract Purpose: To compare clinical-epidemiological profile and treatment outcome between culture negative and culture positive keratitis patients. Methods: Patients with suspected infectious keratitis seen at two ophthalmic hospitals in Curitiba, Brazil, between June 2014 and April 2016, were prospectively studied. Ophthalmological exam with corneal scraping and microbiological tests were performed. Data regarding follow up, surgical interventions and treatment outcome were collected after 12 weeks of the first visit trough medical chart review. From the results of the culture, two groups were formed: culture negative keratitis (CNK) and culture positive keratitis (CPK). Results: According to inclusion criteria 21 patients were classified as culture negative keratitis and 20 patients as culture positive keratitis. The number of patients on antibiotic drops at the first visit was greater in CNK group (90.5% versus 60%; p=0.032). Surgical procedures were necessary in 3 patients (15%) in CNK group and in 7 patients (36,8%) in CPK group (p=0.155). Treatment success was achieved by 85% (17/20) of the patients in CNK group and by 61% (11/18) of the patients in CPK group (p=0.144). There was no significant difference between groups regarding age, gender, place of residence, presence of comorbidities, risk factors for infectious keratitis, duration of symptoms and characteristics of corneal ulcer. Conclusions: Previous treatment with antibiotics correlates with negative culture results. There was no significant difference in treatment outcome between culture negative and culture positive keratitis patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar os perfis clinico-epidemiológicos e os desfechos entre pacientes com ceratite com cultura positiva e pacientes com ceratite com cultura negativa. Métodos: Pacientes com ceratite infecciosa, atendidos em dois hospitais oftalmológicos em Curitiba, Brasil, entre junho de 2014 e abril de 2016, foram estudados prospectivamente. Exame oftalmológico, raspado de córnea e exames microbiológicos foram realizados no primeiro atendimento. Os dados quanto a seguimento e desfecho foram coletados após 12 semanas do primeiro atendimento através de revisão de prontuário. A partir dos resultados das culturas, dois grupos foram formados: ceratite com cultura negativa e ceratite com cultura positiva. Resultados: Vinte e um pacientes foram classificados como ceratite com cultura negativa e 20 como ceratite com cultura positiva. O número de pacientes em uso de colírio antibiótico no primeiro atendimento foi maior no grupo de cultura negativa (90,5% versus 60%; p=0,032). Sete pacientes (37%) no grupo cultura positiva precisaram de procedimentos cirúrgicos no manejo da ceratite, versus 3 pacientes (15%) do grupo cultura negativa (p=0,155). Oitenta e cinco por cento (17/20) dos pacientes do grupo cultura negativa alcançaram sucesso no tratamento, contra 61% (11/18) dos pacientes no grupo cultura positiva (p=0,144). Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto a idade, gênero, local de procedência, presença de comorbidades, fatores de risco, duração dos sintomas e características da úlcera de córnea. Conclusão: Tratamento prévio com colírio de antibiótico correlaciona-se com resultados negativos de cultura. Não houve diferença no desfecho após tratamento entre os pacientes com cultura negativa e cultura positiva.

La queratitis, y el desafío de encontrarse en medio del camino / Keratitis and the challenge of being in the middle of the road

La córnea es un órgano transparente e inmunológicamente privilegiado, debido a la falta de vasos sanguíneos, distribución y acomodación de sus fibras de colágeno. Sus ingeniosos métodos de defensa incluyen barreras físicas como el epitelio corneal, el recambio y composición de la película lágrima, y finalmente, la protección recibida del medio ambiente por medio del párpado. La córnea tiene 5 capas, incluyendo un epitelio de 5 a 7 células de espesor, estroma y endotelio, con capas de apoyo entre el estroma y las otras dos capas. A la infección de la córnea secundaria a bacterias, hongos, ó protozoarios se le conoce como queratitis1, una afección que amenaza a la visión y que puede llegar a perforación corneal o a una extensión de la infección como la endoftalmitis. De hecho, la complicación más seria de la queratitis es la ceguera producida por cicatrización corneal(AU)

Degeneración esferoidea. Reporte de caso / Spheroidal degeneration. Case report

RESUMEN Se reportó el caso clínico de una fémina de 50 años de edad. Acudió a los Servicios de Oftalmología, del Hospital Provincial Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas. Refirió síntomas irritativos y disminución visual por el ojo izquierdo. El examen oftalmológico mostró en dicho ojo la presencia de lesiones esferoideas de color ámbar, conjuntivo corneales en periferia (horas 3-4 y 9). Se extendían en banda a la córnea central, algunas con aspecto nodular. En el ojo derecho presentaba lesiones similares pero localizadas mayoritariamente en la periferia corneal y conjuntiva horas 3 y 9. Con estos elementos se estableció diagnóstico clínico de degeneración esferoidea, enfermedad degenerativa corneal poco frecuente y generalmente asintomática siempre que no progrese y afecte la visión. Se aplicó como tratamiento una queratectomia superficial, manual, con colocación de una lente de contacto terapéutica en el ojo izquierdo, sin complicaciones. Hubo regresión de los síntomas irritativos y mejoría de la agudeza visual constatada en las consultas de seguimiento. Se recomendó la necesidad de protección solar al constituir las radiaciones ultravioletas un factor de riesgo de importancia en el desarrollo de esta enfermedad.

ABSTRACT The authors reported the case of a woman, aged 50 years, who assisted the Ophthalmology service of the Provincial Hospital "Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández", of Matanzas. She referred irritant symptoms and left eye visual decrease. The ophthalmologic examination showed the presence of amber-color spheroidal lesions, corneal conjunctives in periphery (3-4 and 9 hours) in that eye. They extended in bands to the central cornea, some of them with nodular aspect. There were similar lesions in the right eye, but they were located mainly corneal and peripheral conjunctive hours 3 and 9. With these elements it was established the clinical diagnosis of spheroidal degeneration, a few frequent corneal degenerative disease that is almost always asymptomatic if it does not progress and affects sight. As a treatment the patient underwent a manual, superficial keratectomy with location of therapeutic contact lens without complications. There it was a regression of the irritant symptoms and an improvement of the visual acuity stated in the follow-up consultations. The patients was recommended sun protection because ultraviolet rays are important risk factors in the development of this disease.

Contact lens-related bilateral and simultaneous Acremonium keratitis / Ceratite bilateral e simultânea por Acremonium relacionada ao uso de lentes de contato

Abstract This is a case of bilateral and simultaneous Acremonium keratitis related to intermittent and alternating eye soft contact lens use, which has a delayed diagnose, presented amphotericin B resistance with persistent hypopyon and had a positive response to topical natamycin. Besides the unusual presentation, there was no history of trauma or contact with vegetable matter, usually associated to the majority of cases of keratomicosys by filamentous fungi.

Resumo Trata-se de um caso de ceratite bilateral e simultânea por Acremonium relacionada ao uso intermitente e sem respeitar a lateralidade do uso de lentes de contato gelatinosas. Houve diagnóstico tardio, apresentando resistência a anfotericina B e hipópio persistente, com resposta positiva a natamicina tópica. Além da forma incomum de apresentação, não houve histórico de trauma ou contato com material vegetal, associado à maioria dos casos de ceratite por fungos filamentosos.

Detection of herpes simplex-1 and -2 and varicella zoster virus by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in corneas from patients with bacterial keratitis / Detecção de vírus herpes simplex tipo 1 e 2 e varicella zoster por reação em cadeia de polimerase em tempo real em córneas de pacientes com ceratites bacterianas

ABSTRACT Objective: Bacterial keratitis occurs worldwide, and despite recent developments, it remains a potentially blinding condition. This study assesses the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and -2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in corneal scrapings from patients with bacterial keratitis. Methods: A total of 65 patients with clinical diagnoses of infectious corneal ulcers prospectively underwent clinical eye examinations. Corneal scrapings were investigated by Gram staining, Giemsa staining, culture, and qPCR (the study group). Risk factors and epidemiological data were recorded. The control group comprising 25 eyes with typical herpes dendritic keratitis was also analyzed by qPCR. Results: From the study group (n=65), nine patients (13.8%) had negative smears, cultures, and qPCR findings. Fifty-six (86.2%) patients had positive cultures: 51 for bacteria, 4 for fungi, and 1 for amoebae. Of the patients who had positive bacterial cultures, qPCR identified 10 patients who were also positive for virus: one for VZV and nine for HSV-1. Of the 25 patients in the control group, 21 tested positive for HSV-1 by qPCR analysis. Conclusions: Herpes may be present in patients with bacterial corneal ulcers, and qPCR may be useful in its detection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Ceratites bacterianas ocorrem mundialmente e apesar dos novos desenvolvimentos permanece como uma condição que pode levar à cegueira. Avaliar a presença de herpes simples (-1 e -2) e vírus varicella zoster (VZV) por reação em cadeia quantitativa de polimerase em tempo real (qPCR) em raspados corneanos de pacientes com ceratite bacteriana. Métodos: Sessenta e cinco pacientes com ceratite infecciosa foram submetidos a raspados corneanos estudados para gram, Giemsa, cultura e qPCR (grupo de estudo). Foram avaliados fatores de risco e epidemiológicos. O grupo controle foi composto por 25 casos de úlcera dendrítica típica por herpes analisados por qPCR. Resultados: Do grupo de estudo (n=65), nove pacientes (13,8%) apresentaram cultura, qPCR e raspado negativos. Cinquenta e seis (86,2%) pacientes apresentaram cultura positiva, 51 para bacteria, 4 para fungo e 1 para ameba. A qPCR identificou 10 pacientes do grupo de cultura positiva para bactéria que também foram positivos para vírus, um VZV e 9 para HSV-1. Dos 25 pacientes que compunham o grupo controle, 21 apresentaram qPCR positivo para HSV-1. Conclusão: Herpes pode estar presente em pacientes com úlceras de córnea bacterianas e a qPCR pode ser útil na sua detecção.

Ceratite intersticial em paciente com Síndrome de Cogan / Interstitial keratitis in patients with Cogan's Syndrome

RESUMO A Síndrome de Cogan é caracterizada pela ceratite intersticial não luética associada à vertigem, tinnitus e disacusia neurossensorial. Relatamos um caso que ilustra um modelo da intervenção multidisciplinar no diagnóstico e tratamento da doença.

ABSTRACT Cogan's syndrome is characterized by interstitial keratitis non-syphilis associated with vertigo, tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss. We report a case that illustrates a model of multidisciplinary intervention in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Queratometrías por Pentacam y método de Maloney en pacientes con catarata y cirugía refractiva corneal previa / Keratometries taken with Pentacam and Maloney method in patients with cataract and previous corneal refractive surgery

Objetivo: comparar las queratometrías obtenidas por el Pentacam y el método de Maloney en pacientes con catarata, operados previamente de cirugía refractiva corneal. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, prospectivo y comparativo entre los valores queratométricos obtenidos mediante el método de Maloney y el Pentacam en pacientes con catarata y cirugía refractiva corneal previa. Se estudiaron 41 ojos de 31 pacientes distribuidos en dos grupos, con 23 y 18 ojos para Maloney y Pentacam respectivamente. La información de la base de datos fue procesada con el software SPSS versión 11.0 para Window. Se trabajó con un nivel de confianza del 95 por ciento y de error inferior al 0,05 por ciento. Resultados: en ambos grupos prevaleció el astigmatismo miópico (simple o compuesto), lo cual se encontró en 14 ojos (60,9 por ciento) del grupo 1 y 16 ojos (89 por ciento) del grupo 2. La mayoría de los ojos estudiados (37) tenían queratotomía radiada, y solo 4,3 del Grupo 1 y 1 del Grupo 2 tenían LASEK miópico. La queratometría promedio obtenida por el método de Maloney fue de 37,55 D, mientras que el valor promedio brindado por el Pentacam (EKR a 4,0 mm) fue de 39,18 D, con una diferencia promedio de 1,64 D, que fue significativa (p= 0,019). Conclusiones: los valores queratométricos aportados por el método de Maloney y las EKR a 4,0 mm del modo Holladay Report del Pentacam presentan diferencias significativas en pacientes con queratotomía radiada previa(AU)

Objective: to compare the keratometries with Pentacam and with Maloney method in patients with cataract, who had previously undergone refractive corneal surgery. Methods: comparative, prospective, descriptive and longitudinal study of keratometric values estimated with Pentacam camera and with Maloney's method in patients with cataract and previous corneal refractive surgery. Forty one eyes were distributed into two groups; twenty three were studied by Maloney method and 18 by Pentacam. Database information was processed by was processed by version 11.0 SPSS software for Windows. The confidence interval was 95 percent and the error margin below 0.05 percent. Results: myopic astigmatism (simple or compound) prevailed and it was found in 14 eyes (60.9 percent) of Group 1 and in 16 eyes (89 percent) of group 2. Most of the studied eyes (37) had radiated keratotomy and just 4.3 in group 1 and one in group 2 had myopic LASEK. The average keratometry with Maloney's method was 37.55 D whereas the average value provided by the Pentacam (EKR at 4,0 mm) was 39.18 D, with a significant average difference of 1.64 D (p= 0.019). Conclusions: the keratometric values estimated by Maloney's method and the EKR at 4,0 mm from the Holladay Report of Pentacam show significant differences in patients with previous radiated keratotomy(AU)

Queratectomía fototerapéutica en la queratopatía en banda / Phototherapeutic keratectomy in the band keratopathy

Las opciones quirúrgicas con la utilización del láser excímer en determinadas entidades corneales reporta importantes beneficios. La queratopatía en banda, considerada como una degeneración de la córnea superficial caracterizada por la presencia de depósitos de calcio en la membrana de Bowman, es una de las afecciones corneales que han mostrado alentadores resultados con la realización de la queratectomía fototerapéutica. Se presenta un paciente de 68 años, del sexo femenino y piel blanca, con antecedentes de uveítis anterior. En la consulta refirió sensación de cuerpo extraño del ojo derecho. En la exploración oftalmológica del ojo derecho se apreciaron en la córnea superficial depósitos de color blanco-grisáceo de localización interpalpebral. Los estudios refractivos realizados constataron una disminución marcada de la agudeza visual de cuenta dedos en ambos ojos. Se le realizó queratectomía fototerapéutica del ojo derecho y mejoró la sintomatología ocular(AU)

The surgical options with the use of the excímer laser in certain corneal diseases provide important benefits. Band keratopahy, considered a superficial corneal degeneration characterized by the presence of calcific bands in Bowman's membrane, is one of the corneal affections that have shown encouraging results with the performance of phototherapeutic keratectomy. Here is a 68 years-old Caucasian female with no history of previous uveitis. At the ophthalmological service, she said she felt some foreign body in her right eye. The eye examination revealed white-gray superficial deposits of intereyelid location in the cornea. The refractive studies confirmed a marked reduction of visual acuity in both eyes. The patient underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy and her ocular symptoms improved(AU)

Recurrent Paecilomyces Keratitis in a Patient with Jones Tube after Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy

No abstract available.

Queratitis por Lasiodiplodia theobromae: comunicación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Keratitis by Lasiodiplodia theobromae: a case report and literature review

We report a case of mycotic keratitis caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in a 60-year-old man with a history of ocular trauma with vegetable matter. Ophthalmological assessment with slit-lamp and microbiological evaluation of the corneal ulcer by conventional microbiological techniques were performed. Mycology study of the corneal scraping showed the presence of fungal filaments and the isolate was identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Patient was treated with natamycin 5% and fluconazole 0.2% for 37 days. The infection was controlled but the corneal scars required a cornea transplant. This is the first case of keratitis by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in Paraguay. Difficulties in the management of these cases, which often requires surgical procedures, are discussed.

Se presenta un caso clínico de queratitis causada por Lasiodiplodia theobromae en un agricultor de 60 años de edad, con antecedentes de un trauma ocular con un vegetal. Se realizó un examen oftalmológico con lámpara de hendidura y estudio microbiológico de la úlcera corneal por técnicas microbiológicas convencionales. El examen micológico del raspado corneal reveló la presencia de hifas septadas y el cultivo fue identificado como Lasiodiplodia theobromae. El paciente fue tratado con natamicina al 5% y fluconazol al 0,2% durante 37 días. La infección fue controlada, sin embargo, el paciente quedó con cicatrices corneales y con necesidad de trasplante. Es el primer caso de queratitis por Lasiodiplodia theobromae en Paraguay. Se discute la dificultad de manejo de estos casos que a menudo requieren procedimientos quirúrgicos y trasplante de córnea.

Citomegalovirus: de la primoinfección a la retinitis / Cytomegalovirus: from primoinfection to retinitis

Una vez sucedida la primoinfección, el citomegalovirus se establece latente en las células mieloides progenitoras, y la reactivación viral intermitente procedente de macrófagos activados o células dendríticas es controlada por una fuerte respuesta viral específica de células CD4 y CD8. La retinitis por citomegalovirus está caracterizada por una necrosis retinal como consecuencia de efectos citopáticos virales que ocurre en pacientes en quienes la función de células T está comprometida, como resultado de trasplantes de órganos, SIDA o tratamiento inmunosupresor. El diagnóstico de retinitis por citomegalovirus puede ser confirmado por amplificación del ADN viral en muestras de humor acuoso. El tratamiento de la retinitis por citomegalovirus se basa en la actualidad en la reconstitución del sistema inmune con la terapia TARGA y combinado a una terapia anticitomegalovirus (ganciclovir, foscarnet, cidofovir y valganciclovir). El citomegalovirus está también implicado en dos formas de enfermedad del segmento anterior en adultos inmunocompetentes llamado uveítis anterior por citomegalovirus y queratitis endotelial por citomegalovirus.

Once first infection occurs, cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains latent in myeloid progenitor cells and the intermittent viral relapsing proceeding from activated macrophages and dendritic cells, is controlled by strong specific viral response CD4cell y CD8-cell. CMV retinitis is characterized by spreading retinal necrosis due to viral cytopathic effect occurs in patients who have impaired T-cell function as a result of transplantation, AIDS, or immuno-suppressive treatment. The diagnosis of CMV retinitis can be confirmed by PCR amplification of viral DNA in aqueous. Updated treatment for CMV retinitis is based on the immune system recovery with highly activity anti-retroviral therapy combined with anti CMV therapy (ganciclovir, foscarnet, cidofovir and valganciclovir). CMV is also implicated in two forms of anterior segment disease in immuno-competent adults, namely CMV anterior uveitis and CMV corneal endotheliitis.

Unilateral Punctate Keratitis Secondary to Wallenberg Syndrome

We studied three patients who developed left unilateral punctate keratitis after suffering left-sided Wallenberg Syndrome. A complex evolution occurred in two of them. In all cases, neurophysiological studies showed damage in the trigeminal sensory component at the bulbar level. Corneal involvement secondary to Wallenberg syndrome is a rare cause of unilateral superficial punctate keratitis. The loss of corneal sensitivity caused by trigeminal neuropathy leads to epithelial erosions that are frequently unobserved by the patient, resulting in a high risk of corneal-ulcer development with the possibility of superinfection. Neurophysiological studies can help to locate the anatomical level of damage at the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, confirming the suspected etiology of stroke, and demonstrating that prior vascular involvement coincides with the location of trigeminal nerve damage. In some of these patients, oculofacial pain is a distinctive feature.

Queratitis micótica: identificación de especies en Valparaíso / Fungal keratitis: identification of species in Valparaíso

Introducción: La queratitits micótica puede ser provocada por una amplia variedad de especies, tanto por hongos filamentosos como levaduras. Objetivo: Conocer las especies involucradas en queratitits micótica durante el decenio 2003-2013 en la ciudad de Valparaíso. Materiales y método: Se revisaron los casos de queratitis micótica diagnosticados durante el periodo 2003-2013 en la cátedra de Micología de la Universidad de Valparaíso. Las muestras fueron tomadas con tórulas estériles, las cuales fueron sembradas en agar sabouraud y una vez obtenido el desarrollo de las especies se traspasaron a medios de cultivo especiales. La identificación se realizó por morfofisiología y en el caso de Candida además por pruebas bioquímicas. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 10 pacientes con queratitis micótica, de ellos 6 fueron hombres. 8 pacientes tenían el antecedente de lesión traumática corneal. Las especies más frecuentes fueron Aspergillus fumigatus y Fusarium oxysporum. También se aislaron especies como Fusarium dimerumy Exophiala jeanselmei. Conclusión: De los 10 casos de queratitis micótica diagnosticados, la mayoría tenía el antecedente de lesión traumática corneal. Los géneros más aislados fueron Aspergillus y Fusarium.

Introduction: Fungal keratitis can be caused by a wide variety of species, either filamentous as yeast fungi. Objective: To determine the species involved in fungal keratitis during the decade 2003-2013 in the city of Valparaiso. Materials and Methods: The cases of fungal keratitis diagnosed in the depar tment of Mycology, University of Valparaiso, were reviewed for the period 2003-2013. Samples were taken with sterile swabs, which were seeded in Sabouraud agar and after obtaining the development of species, were transferred to special culture media. Identification was performed by morphophysiology and in the case of Candida further biochemical tests. Results: 10 patients were diagnosed with fungal keratitis, of which 6 were men. 8 patients had a history of traumatic corneal injury. The most frequent species were Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium oxysporum. Species Fusarium dimerum and Exophiala jeanselmei were also isolated. Conclusion: Of the 10 cases of fungal keratitis diagnosed, most had a history of traumatic corneal injury. The most isolated genus were Aspergillus and Fusarium.

Sinais e sintomas de doença da superfície ocular em usuários de hipotensores oculares tópicos / Signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease in patients on topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy

OBJETIVO: determinar a prevalência de sinais e sintomas de doença da superfície ocular (OSD) em pacientes em uso crônico de hipotensores oculares tópicos. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo transversal, foram recrutados 40 pacientes consecutivos, provenientes do ambulatório de glaucoma de um hospital público localizado no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os mesmos deveriam apresentar: idade maior ou igual a 18 anos, diagnóstico de hipertensão ocular ou glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto e deveriam estar em uso da mesma terapia hipotensora ocular há pelo menos seis meses. Foram considerados: sexo, idade, medicação utilizada e duração do tratamento. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação da superfície ocular que incluiu: entrevista por meio do questionário Ocular Surface Disease Index® (OSDI®), tempo de rotura do filme lacrimal, biomicroscopia, avaliação da superfície ocular com fluoresceína e com rosa Bengala. RESULTADOS: A média de pontuação do OSDI® foi 24,6 ± 20,7. A maioria dos pacientes (67,5%) apresentou uma pontuação anormal no questionário do OSDI®. Em 25% dos pacientes, a pontuação foi compatível com sintomas leves, em 12,5% com sintomas moderados e em 30% com sintomas graves. Blefarite e ceratite ponteada foram diagnosticadas em 42,5% e 20% dos pacientes respectivamente. Instabilidade do filme lacrimal foi observada em 75% dos pacientes, enquanto que alteração da superfície ocular foi evidenciada pelo teste de rosa bengala em 35% dos pacientes. Foi encontrada correlação positiva (r=0,4) estatisticamente significativa (p=0,01) entre a pontuação do OSDI® e o tempo de duração do tratamento com hipotensores oculares tópicos. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes em uso crônico de hipotensores oculares tópicos apresentam alta prevalência de sinais e sintomas de OSD. Existe correlação significativa entre a duração do tratamento e a gravidade dos sintomas de OSD.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease (OSD) in patients using topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 40 patients were consecutively recruited from the glaucoma clinic of a public hospital located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eligible patients were 18 years of age or older, with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension and on the same topical ocular therapy for at least 6 months. The following data were considered: sex, age, medication history and number of years on topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy. All patients underwent an evaluation of the ocular surface which included: an interview using the Ocular Surface Disease Index® (OSDI®) questionnaire, break-up time, biomicroscopy, fluorescein corneal staining and rose Bengal ocular surface staining. RESULTS: The mean OSDI® score was 24.6 ± 20.7. Most patients (67.5%) had an abnormal score on the OSDI® questionnaire. In 25% of patients, the score was consistent with mild symptoms, 12.5% ​​with moderate symptoms and 30% with severe symptoms. Blepharitis and punctate keratitis were diagnosed in 42.5% and 20% of patients respectively. Tear film instability was observed in 75% of patients and ocular surface staining with rose Bengal in 35%. A positive statistically significant correlation (r=0.4; p=0.01) was found between OSDI® scores and the duration of topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy. CONCLUSION: Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension on topical intraocular pressure-lowering therapy have high prevalence of OSD. Longer duration since diagnosis is significantly correlated with worsening of OSD symptoms.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted with presumed microbial keratitis to a tertiary medical center in Israel / Características clínicas e desfechos dos pacientes internados com diagnóstico de ceratite microbiana em um centro terciário em Israel

PURPOSES: Microbial keratitis is commonly diagnosed worldwide, and continues to cause significant ocular morbidity, requiring prompt and appropriate treatment. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with presumed microbial keratitis admitted to The Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which the medical records of patients with presumed microbial keratitis admitted during a period of 3 years were reviewed. RESULTS: Keratitis was diagnosed in 276 patients (51% males and 48.9% females). The mean age was 39.29 ± 22.30 years. The hospital length of stay ranged from 1 to 65 days (mean 5.69 ± 5.508). Fortified antibiotics were still used at discharge in 72% of the cases. Overall visual acuity improved significantly from the time of admission to the 1st-week follow up visit showing a p<0.001 on the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Contact lens wearing was present in 36.1% of the patients, although there was no significant relation with severity of the presentation and visual outcome (p>0.05). The degree of hypopyon and cells in the anterior chamber was significantly related to the hospital length of stay (r Spearman=0.31; p<0.001 and r Spearman=0.21; p<.001, respectively) as well as to a worse visual outcome (r Spearman=0.32; p<0.01 and r Spearman=0.18; p=0.01, respectively). Of all patients, 2.3% required an urgent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, and 1% underwent evisceration. There was no enucleation. CONCLUSION: Treating keratitis aggressively and assuring patient compliance is imperative for a good final visual outcome. Inpatient treatment may have a positive impact on this outcome.

OBJETIVOS: Ceratite microbiana é comumente diagnosticada em todo mundo e ainda continua a causar uma significante morbidade ocular. É necessário tratá-la de forma imediata e apropriada. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as características clínicas e os desfechos dos pacientes com ceratite microbiana presumida que foram internados no Goldschlager Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Israel. MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal foi realizado onde arquivos hospitalares dos pacientes internados com ceratite microbiana presumida durante um periodo de três anos foram analisados e revisados. RESULTADOS: Ceratite foi diagnosticada em 276 pacientes (51% masculinos e 48,9% femininos). A média de idade foi 39,29 ± 22,30 anos. A duração da internação foi de 1 a 65 dias (média 5,69 ± 5,508). Antibióticos fortificados permaneceram usados na alta em 72% dos casos. A acuidade visual do seguimento da primeira semana após a alta em relação a internação melhorou na media de forma estatisticamente significativa (p<0,001 usando Wilcoxon signed ranks test). O uso de lentes de contato estava presente em 36,1% dos pacientes, porém não houve relação estatisticamente significativa entre a gravidade da apresentação clínica e a acuidade visual nestes pacientes (p>0,05). O grau de hipópio e células na câmara anterior foram estatisticamente significativos em relação ao tempo de internação (r Spearman=0,0.31; p<0,001 and r Spearman=0,21; p<0,001, respectivamente) e para a acuidade visual (r Spearman=0,32; p<0,01 e r Spearman=0,18; p=0,01, respectivamente). De todos os pacientes, apenas 2,3% necessitaram ceratoplastia penetrante urgente e 1% necessitaram evisceração. Não houve enucleações. CONCLUSÕES: Tratar a ceratite de forma agressiva e garantir a aderência do paciente ao tratamento é imperativo para o bom resultado visual final. O tratamento internado pode ter um impacto positivo neste desfecho.

Reflexões sobre a ceratite fúngica por meio dos achados de exames histopatológicos / Reflections on mycotic keratitis based on findings from histopathologically examined specimens

OBJETIVO: Estudo de botões corneanos por meio do exame histopatológico para verificar as alterações ocorridas nos tecidos corneanos numa infecção fúngica e tirar desses achados orientações para o diagnóstico e o tratamento. MÉTODOS: Trabalho retrospectivo, realizado num Banco de Olhos (BOO) entre janeiro de 2006 e junho de 2011, usando dados de prontuários a partir das informações enviadas pelos cirurgiões e sendo examinado material recebido de ceratoplastia penetrante com o exame de 38 peças de 35 pacientes, sendo processadas e feitas de uma a três colorações de acordo com as dificuldades diagnósticas. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes eram na maioria homens, 57% (n=35), a faixa etária acima de 60 anos a mais numerosa com 1/3 dos pacientes. Os casos de ceratite fúngica correspondiam à média de 6,4% (n=597) do material recebido no BOO e 1,65% (n=2310) dos transplantes ocorrido com o material fornecido nos últimos 5 anos. Pelas informações dos cirurgiões 39,5% (n=38) dos casos deviam-se a perfuração corneana. Usando as datas dos transplantes foi feita uma Tábua de Observação. Em 11 (n=38) casos, a córnea procedia de transplante anterior. As formas leveduriformes nos tecidos corneanos eram de 63% (n=38). Em 50% (n=38) dos casos o infiltrado inflamatório era pequeno ou inexistente. A camada de Descemet estava íntegra em 13% (n=38), enquanto eram encontrados fungos na superfície corneana de 45% (n=38) dos casos. CONCLUSÃO: A coleta do material poderá ser feita com sucesso mesmo depois de instalado o tratamento, entretanto, nas úlceras de córnea deve ser feito preferentemente a coleta de material com espátula para exame laboratorial e a microscopia confocal in vivo. A predominância das leveduras poderá ser devido a alterações morfológicas do fungo sofridas no tecido corneano. A penetração intraocular é facilitada por alterações da Camada de Descemet e pela própria capacidade do fungo de penetrar nos tecidos justificando o tratamento sistêmico desde o início.

PURPOSE: The study of fungal invasion and pathogenicity in corneal tissue observed through the histopathological examination of specimens obtained through penetrating keratoplasty ('PKP') of samples obtained from an Eye Bank ('EB'), with the aim of applying findings in diagnosis and treatment of the condition METHODS: Retrospective non-comparative case studies on samples collected between January 2006 and June 2011 based on identification data comprised of scant historical information sent by surgeons and material obtained through PKP, consisting of 38 samples from 35 patients. Processing involved special stains for fungi in order to detect the presence thereof, with one to three colourations being performed in accordance with diagnostic difficulty in relation to each sample. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly male (20 compared to 15 females), and the most represented age group was 60+ years of age (1/3 of the patients). Mycotic keratitis was detected in 6.4% (n= 597) of cases referred to the EB and in 1.65% (n= 2310) of transplants using corneal material provided by the EB over the last five years. According to historical information provided by surgeons, 39.5% (n= 38) of cases were due to perforation of the cornea. A statistical table was prepared using transplant data. 11 specimens (n= 38) were due to an anterior corneal graft. Yeasts were present in 63% (n= 38), and 50% (n= 38) of corneal tissue had mild or non-existing inflammation. 13% (n= 38) had whole Descemet layers, while 45% (n= 38) presented fungi on the corneal surface. CONCLUSION: Corneal grasping and confocal microscopy may be performed successfully after treatment has been initiated, although in corneal ulcers samples should ideally be collected with a spatula for laboratory testing in vivo. The high prevalence of yeasts in the samples we looked at may be due to morphologic changes in corneal tissue of fungal origin. Intraocular penetration of the fungi is facilitated by changes to the Descemet layer, and assisted by the fungi's own properties. Therefore systemic treatment is justified from the outset.

Queratitis fúngica: revisión actual sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento / Fungal keratitis: review of diagnosis and treament

La queratitis fúngica es una infección característica de zonas tropicales, asociada a trauma vegetal. Existen dudas respecto al método diagnóstico óptimo y la efectividad de los tratamientos disponibles. ¿Cuál es el manejo más apropiado en queratitis fúngica? y ¿Cuál es la mejor forma de establecer el diagnóstico? El cultivo para hongos es el gold standard diagnóstico de elementos fúngicos. Respecto al tratamiento, natamicina y anfotericina B fueron los más utilizados y no demostraron efectividad en estudios prospectivos. Voriconazol demostró efectividad en múltiples infecciones fúngicas. Pudiera ser la droga de elección en condiciones óptimas, dado su mejor penetración intraocular. Se ha reconocido su elevado costo dificultando su aplicación generalizada. Esta revisión entrega recomendaciones para el manejo y establece la necesidad de realizar estudios que evalúen la costo-efectividad de voriconazol para la queratitis fúngica.

Fungal keratitis is a characteristic infection upon tropical zones, associated with vegetal trauma. Doubt exists about the best diagnostic test and the effectiveness of available treatment. Which is the best diagnostic method for fungal keratitis? And, which is the best management? Fungal culture remains as diagnostic gold standard of fungal elements. As of treatment, natamycin and amphotericin B are the most popular drugs for fungal keratitis and they have not shown effectiveness in randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews. Voriconazole showed effectiveness and security in multiple fungal infections. It may be the drug of choice in optimal conditions, because of its better ocular penetration and wider coverage. However, its high price difficult general application. This review establishes management recommendations and the need to perform studies that address cost-effectiveness analysis of voriconazole for fungal keratitis.