RESUMEN
PURPOSE: To investigate the factors associated with treatment outcomes of postcataract surgery fungal endophthalmitis outbreaks related to contaminated viscoelastics. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinical data from multiple institutions. SUBJECTS: This study included 228 eyes of 210 patients who were diagnosed with postcataract surgery fungal endophthalmitis related to the use of viscoelastic material (Unial, Unimed Pharmaceutical Inc); they were followed up for 6 months after the diagnosis. METHODS: Clinical features and causative species were identified and treatment outcomes were analyzed in patients who underwent 6 months of follow-up. Propensity score matching was conducted to elucidate the impact of vitrectomy timing and intraocular lens (IOL) removal on treatment outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical factors and selection of treatment modalities associated with treatment outcomes at 6 months. RESULTS: Baseline visual acuity (P < 0.01), age (P = 0.05), and the presence of corneal edema (P < 0.01) were closely associated with poor best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months. Patients who underwent immediate vitrectomy after diagnosis showed significantly better BCVA at 6 months (mean logarithm of minimum angle of resolution 0.26 ± 0.43 vs. 0.52 ± 0.52, P = 0.03) and greater degree of visual improvement (mean -0.17 ± 0.37 improvement vs. 0.10 ± 0.57 deterioration, P = 0.03) than those who underwent deferred vitrectomy. Patients who underwent IOL removal during vitrectomy required a lower number of intravitreal antifungal agent injections (mean 8.9 ± 9.1 vs. 16.7 ± 12.2, P < 0.01) and showed a lower incidence of repeated vitrectomy (20% vs. 82%, P < 0.01) than in those without IOL removal. CONCLUSIONS: In postcataract fungal endophthalmitis, prompt vitrectomy at the time of diagnosis resulted in better treatment outcomes, and IOL removal reduced the treatment burden. Prompt and aggressive surgical intervention should be considered for postcataract fungal endophthalmitis.
RESUMEN
At present, the incidence of infectious endophthalmitis after cataract surgery has been significantly reduced, but it is still a serious complication. Removal or not of the intraocular lens (IOL) during vitrectomy in cases with a moderate or severe inflammation is controversial. In order to call upon more discussion, we publish the article entitled "Timely vitrectomy without intraocular lens removal for acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery" written by Guo et al in this issue. With recent advanced vitrectomy techniques, and critical measures for management of risk factors related to occurrence of infection, IOL remaining during timely vitrectomy for acute endophthalmitis can possibly be safe and effective in selected cases.