ALTERNATIVE INTRAVITREAL ANTIBIOTICS: A Systematic Review for Consideration in Recalcitrant or Resistant Endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To organize, categorize, and create a quick reference guide for the use of intravitreal antibiotic alternatives to the standard combination of vancomycin and ceftazidime for the treatment of endophthalmitis. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The authors searched for all available information regarding intravitreal antibiotics in the last 21 years. Manuscripts were selected according to relevance, level of information, and the available data regarding intravitreal dose, potential adverse effects, bacterial coverage, and relevant pharmacokinetic information. RESULTS: The authors included 164 of 1810 manuscripts. The antibiotics were classified according to their class into fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, glycopeptide and lipopeptide, penicillins and beta-lactams, tetracyclines, and miscellaneous. The authors also included information regarding intravitreal adjuvants for the treatment of endophthalmitis and one ocular antiseptic. CONCLUSION: The treatment of infectious endophthalmitis is a therapeutic challenge. The current review summarizes the properties of possible intravitreal antibiotic alternatives that should be considered in cases of suboptimal response to initial treatment.

Ultrasound-Guided Pars Plana Vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of a novel surgical technique that combines B-scan ultrasound with modern vitrectomy techniques. METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of infectious keratitis endophthalmitis, which were scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy and ruled out as candidates for transient keratoprosthesis, were enrolled. The ultrasound probe was placed over the eye to use the images to witness the vitreous movement around the cutter and to establish its position in relation to the retinal wall. The procedure was performed in at least four ultrasound projections (longitudinal-9,6, 3, and 12). All patients were followed for three months, and in each visit, the visual acuity and the presence of adverse effects were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 12 patients (mean age: 56.2 ± 18.4 years) were enrolled. Visual acuity at baseline was 2.3 ± 0.25 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. Sixty-six percent achieved inactivation of endophthalmitis. Two patients had evisceration caused by uncontrolled infection, and two more had retinal detachment during follow-up. Visual acuity at the end of follow-up was 2.1 ± 0.3 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution ( P = 0.5). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided vitrectomy is a feasible surgical technique. More studies are needed to assess its safety profile and optimize outcomes.