Amniotic membrane transplantation for neurotrophic corneal ulcers

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the clinical results of cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation as a treatment option for refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers. Methods: This prospective study included 11 eyes of 11 patients who underwent amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers at Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, in the city of Curitiba, from May 2015 to July 2021. Patients underwent different surgical techniques in which the amniotic membrane was applied with the epithelium facing upward to promote corneal re-epithelialization. Results: The median age of the patients was 60 years (range, 34-82 years), and 64% were men. The predominant etiology of corneal ulcers was herpes zoster (45% of cases). Approximately one-third of the patients (27%) were chronically using hypotensive eye drops, and more than half (54%) had previously undergone penetrating corneal transplantation. At the time of amniotic membrane transplantation, 18% of the eyes had corneal melting, 9% had corneal perforation, and the others had corneal ulceration without other associated complications (73%). The time between clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment ranged from 9 days to 2 years. The corrected visual acuity was worse than 20/400 in 90% of the patients preoperatively, with improvement in 36% after 3 months of the procedure, worsening in 18% and remaining stable in 36%. Of the patients, 81% complained of preoperative pain, and 66% of them reported total symptom relief after the surgical procedure. In one month, 54.6% of the patients presented a closure of epithelial defect, and half of the total group evolved with corneal thinning. The failure rate was 45.5% of the cases. Conclusion: Cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation can be considered a good alternative for treating refractory neurotrophic corneal ulcers, as it resulted in significant improvement in pain (66%) and complete epithelial closure (60%) in many patients at 1 month postoperatively. Notably, the high failure rate highlights the need for further studies to identify patientand ulcer-related factors that may influence the outcomes of this procedure.

Mycobacterium abscessus keratitis after LASIK surgery / Ceratite por Mycobacterium abscessus após cirurgia LASIK

ABSTRACT A 33-year-old male presented with unilateral subacute infectious keratitis 4 weeks after surgery. Corneal inflammation was resistant to standard topical antibiotic regimens. During diagnostic flap lifting and sampling, the corneal flap melted and separated. Through flap lifting, corneal scraping, microbiological diagnosis of atypical mycobacteria, and treatment with topical fortified amikacin, clarithromycin, and systemic clarithromycin, clinical improvement was achieved.

RESUMO Paciente do sexo masculino, 33 anos, apresentou ceratite infecciosa subaguda unilateral 4 semanas após a cirurgia. A inflamação da córnea foi resistente aos regimes de antibióticos tópicos padrão. A aba da córnea foi derretida e seccionada durante o levantamento e amostragem para diagnóstico. A melhora clínica só foi alcançada após levantamento do retalho, raspagem e diagnóstico microbiológico de micobactérias atípicas e tratamento com amicacina fortificada tópica, claritromicina e claritromicina sistêmica.

Microbial keratitis in Sao Paulo, Brazil: a 10-year review of laboratory results, epidemiological features, and risk factors / Ceratite microbiana em São Paulo, Brasil: uma revisão de 10 anos dos resultados de laboratório, características epidemiológicas e fatores de risco

ABSTRACT Purpose: To study epidemiological data, laboratory results, and risk factors associated with microbial keratitis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of corneal sample cultures from patients with microbial keratitis from January 2010 to December 2019. Results were analyzed according to the etiological diagnosis of bacterial, mycotic, or parasitic infection and were associated with related risk factors. Results: We analyzed 4810 corneal samples from 4047 patients (mean age 47.79 ± 20.68 years; male 53.27%). The prevalence of bacterial, fungal, and Acanthamoeba infections were 69.80%, 7.31%, and 3.51%, respectively. The most frequently isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (45.14%), S. aureus (10.02%), Pseudomonas spp. (8.80%), and Corynebacterium spp. (6.21%). Among CoNS, the main agent was S. epidermidis (n=665). For mycotic keratitis, Fusarium spp. (35.42%) and Candida parapsilosis (16.07%) were the most common agents among filamentous and yeasts isolates, respectively. Contact lens use was associated with a positive culture for Acanthamoeba spp. (OR = 19.04; p < 0.001) and Pseudomonas spp. (OR = 3.20; p < 0.001). Previous ocular trauma was associated with positive fungal cultures (OR = 1.80; p = 0.007), while older age was associated with positive bacterial culture (OR = 1.76; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated a higher positivity of corneal sample cultures for bacteria. Among those, CoNS was the most frequently identified, with S. epidermidis as the main agent. In fungal keratitis, Fusarium spp. was the most commonly isolated. Contact lens wearers had higher risks of positive cultures for Acanthamoeba spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Ocular trauma increased the risk of fungal infection, while older age increased the risk of bacterial infection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar os dados epidemiológicos, resultados laboratoriais e fatores de risco associados às ceratites infecciosas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo das amostras de cultura de córnea em pacientes com ceratites infecciosas entre Janeiro/2010 a Dezembro/2019. Os resultados foram analisados de acordo com o diagnóstico etiológico de infecção bacteriana, fúngica ou parasitária e correlacionado com os fatores de risco relacionados. Resultados: Quatro mil, oitocentas e dez amostras corneanas de 4047 pacientes (média de idade de 47,79 ± 20,68 anos; homens em sua maioria (53,7%) foram incluídas. A prevalência de infecções por bactéria, fungo e Acanthamoeba foram de 69.80%, 7,31%, and 3,51%, respectivamente. A maioria das bactérias mais frequentemente isoladas foram Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (CoNS) (45,14%), S. aureus (10,02%), Pseudomonas spp. (8,80%), e Corynebacterium spp. (6,21%). Dentre CoNS, o principal agente foi S. epidermidis (n = 665). Nas ceratites fúngicas, Fusarium spp. (35,42%) e Candida parapsilosis (16,07%) foram os agentes mais comuns entre os filamentosos e leveduriformes, respectivamente. O uso de lentes de contato foi associado à cultura positiva para Acanthamoeba spp. (OR = 19,04; p < 0,001) e Pseudomonas spp (OR = 3,20; p < 0,001). Trauma ocular prévio foi associado a culturas positivas para fungo (OR = 1,80; p = 0,007), e idade avançada foi associada a culturas positivas para bactéria (OR = 1,76; p = 0,001). Conclusões: Nossos achados demonstraram uma maior positividade para bactérias em amostras de cultura corneana. Dentre estas, CoNS foi mais frequentemente identificado, sendo S. epidermidis o principal agente. Nas ceratites fúngicas, Fusarium spp. Foi o mais comumente isolado. O risco de positividade para Acanthamoeba spp. e Pseudomonas spp. foi maior em usuários de lentes de contato. Trauma ocular aumentou o risco de cultura positiva para fungo, ao passo que idade mais avançada aumentou o risco de infecção bacteriana.

Análise do perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos casos de ceratite infecciosa em um serviço de emergência oftalmológica / Analysis of the clinical-epidemiological profile of infectious keratitis in an ophthalmological emergency service

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos pacientes e o perfil dos agentes causadores de ceratite infecciosa em pacientes submetidos à cultura obtida a partir de raspados corneanos em um serviço de emergência oftalmológica em um hospital de referência. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de prontuários e resultados do exame de cultura de córnea. Os dados foram coletados após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 47,6 anos, etnia caucasiana, baixo nível de escolaridade e procedentes da Grande Florianópolis. Trauma ocular foi o principal fator de risco observado. Foram obtidos resultados de cultura positivos em 43,6% dos casos, sendo Pseudomonas aeruginosa o principal agente identificado. O tratamento clínico foi a conduta inicial na maioria dos casos. Conclusão: Ceratite infecciosa é uma doença grave e o conhecimento atualizado é necessário para o diagnóstico precoce e manejo adequado da doença.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate patients' clinical-epidemiological profile and causative agents of infectious keratitis on patients submitted to culture obtained from corneal smears in an ophthalmological emergency in a reference hospital. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records and corneal culture examination results. The data were collected after the approval of the Human Research Ethics Committee. Results: Most patients were male, with an average age of 47.6 years old, Caucasian ethnicity, low level of education, and from the Greater Florianópolis area. Ocular trauma was the main observed risk factor. Positive culture results were obtained in 43.6% of cases, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the main identified agent. Clinical treatment was the initial approach in most cases. Conclusion: Infectious keratitis is a serious disease, and up-to-date knowledge is necessary for early diagnosis and appropriate management of the disease.

Challenging course of endophthalmitis with corneal ulcer following cataract surgery: successful management and visual rehabilitation / Caso desafiador de endoftalmite com úlcera corneal após cirurgia de catarata: manejo bem-sucedido e reabilitação visual

ABSTRACT The objective of this case report was to share the successful management of severe endophthalmitis, aiming at ocular integrity and visual acuity. A 73-year-old man presented with visual acuity of 20/30 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye. On the 21st day postoperatively after phacoemulsification in the left eye, he developed symptoms of endophthalmitis, including ocular discomfort, blurred vision, and whitish discharge. Despite negative cultures, his condition worsened, resulting in corneal perforation on the 31st day. Conjunctival flap and penetrating keratoplasty were performed. Currently, the patient maintains a visual acuity of 20/40 in the left eye, with a healthy graft and no signs of failure. Despite the complications, careful follow-up and timely interventions successfully preserved his vision. The use of conjunctival flap during the inflammatory phase was crucial to maintaining ocular integrity. This underscores the importance of different approaches in complex ocular complications, including alternative strategies for ocular protection during active inflammation.

RESUMO O objetivo deste relato de caso foi compartilhar o manejo bem-sucedido de uma grave endoftalmite, visando à integridade ocular e à acuidade visual. Um homem de 73 anos apresentou acuidade visual de 20/30 no olho direito e 20/200 no olho esquerdo. No 21° dia pós-operatório de facoemulsificação em olho esquerdo, ele desenvolveu sintomas de endoftalmite, incluindo desconforto ocular, visão embaçada e secreção esbranquiçada. Apesar de culturas negativas, sua condição piorou, resultando em perfuração corneal no 31° dia. A cobertura conjuntival e a ceratoplastia penetrante foram realizadas. Atualmente, o paciente mantém acuidade visual de 20/40 no olho esquerdo, com enxerto saudável e sem sinais de falha. Apesar das complicações, o acompanhamento cuidadoso e as intervenções oportunas preservaram a visão com sucesso. O uso de cobertura conjuntival durante a fase inflamatória foi crucial para manter a integridade ocular. Isso destaca a importância de diferentes abordagens em complicações oculares complexas, incluindo estratégias alternativas para proteção ocular durante a inflamação ativa.

Insulina colirio en afecciones de la superficie ocular / Insulin Eye Drops for Eye Surface Conditions

Cuando se produce una erosión corneal y fracasa la epitelización corneal surgen los defectos epiteliales corneales persistentes, cuyo tratamiento es un desafío para el oftalmólogo. Es muy frecuente el fracaso del tratamiento convencional por lo que se mantiene el interés en la búsqueda de otros factores de crecimiento para la cicatrización epitelial tales como los colirios de insulina. La insulina es un péptido estrechamente relacionado con el factor de crecimiento similar a la insulina 1. Su mecanismo de acción no es bien comprendido, sin embargo se acepta que es capaz de inducir migración y proliferación de las células epiteliales corneales, por lo que promueve y acelera la reepitelización de defectos epiteliales persistentes refractarios a tratamiento. La ausencia de una presentación comercial de colirio de insulina, hace necesario conocer su estabilidad físicoquímica y microbiológica así como la eficacia, efectividad y seguridad del colirio de insulina a diferentes concentraciones. De ahí la motivación para realizar una revisión de la literatura existente sobre el empleo del colirio de insulina en el tratamiento del defecto epitelial corneal persistente. Se realizó la búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas como PubMed Central, EBSCO, Clinical Trials.gov, MEDLINE OVID, EMBASE OVID con el objeto de identificar artículos relacionados con el tema(AU)

When corneal erosion occurs and corneal epithelialization fails, persistent corneal epithelial defects arise, whose treatment is a challenge for the ophthalmologist. The failure of conventional treatment is very frequent; therefore, there is still interest in the search for other growth factors for epithelial healing, such as insulin eye drops. Insulin is a peptide closely related to insulin-like growth factor 1. Its mechanism of action is not well understood; however, it is accepted that it is capable of inducing migration and proliferation of corneal epithelial cells, thereby promoting and accelerating reepithelialization of persistent epithelial defects refractory to treatment. The absence of a commercial presentation for insulin eye drops makes it necessary to know its physicochemical and microbiological stability, as well as the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of insulin eye drops at different concentrations; hence the motivation to review the existing literature on the use of insulin eye drops in the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects. The search was carried out in electronic databases such as PubMed Central, EBSCO, Clinical Trials.gov, MEDLINE OVID, EMBASE OVID, with the aim of identifying relevant articles related to the topic(AU)

Bacterial keratitis in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo: a 21-year review of the epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical data.

Infectious keratitis is a sight-threatening condition that is usually an ocular emergency. The visual outcome depends on prompt and accurate clinical management as well as geographic and epidemiological awareness. We conducted a retrospective observational study to define the epidemiological and laboratory profile, as well as the clinical course of bacterial keratitis in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo over 21 years. Information about age, sex, predisposing factors, topical and surgical treatment, visual acuity, ulcers' classification, bacterioscopy, culture, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were collected. This study included 160 patients. The mean age was 65.1 ± 18.4 years and risk factors were identified in 83.1 % of the patients. Empirical topical fortified cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside or fourth-generation fluoroquinolone was curative for 66.2 % of the cases. The mean treatment duration was 22.5 ± 9 days. The mean variation of visual acuity was -0.25 logMAR, p < 0.001. Culture revealed 64 % of Gram-positive bacteria. All Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to cephalothin, vancomycin, and quinolones. All Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. These findings reinforce the importance of prompt empirical treatment of severe corneal ulcers with a fortified cephalosporin and aminoglycoside or a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone as there are equally effective. Collected data was insufficient to evaluate resistance of ocular infections over time in this population.

Activity of multipurpose contact lens solutions against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens and Candida albicans biofilms.

INTRODUCTION: The use of contact lenses has progressively increased around the world, thereby increasing the risk of complications. The most serious complication is microbial keratitis (corneal infection) that can progress to a corneal ulcer. METHODS: Fourteen multipurpose contact lens solutions were tested on mature biofilms comprising Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens and Candida albicans, using the minimum disinfection times recommended by the manufacturers. The biofilm was induced in the lens case, and 24 h later, the solutions were added. Activity against planktonic and sessile cells was evaluated and quantified as colony forming units per millilitre. The minimum concentration for biofilm eradication was defined as a 99.9% reduction in viable cells. RESULTS: Although most solutions exhibited activity against planktonic cells, only five of the 14 solutions produced a significant reduction in the S. marcescens biofilm. No solution achieved the minimal biofilm eradication of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. CONCLUSION: Multipurpose contact lens solutions provide greater bactericidal and/or fungicidal activity on planktonic cells than biofilms. The minimal eradication biofilm concentration was only achieved for S. marcescens.

Plasma rico en plaquetas, regenerador en alteraciones corneales / Platelet-rich plasma, regenerative in corneal disorders

En los últimos años, múltiples investigaciones han mostrado la participación de los factores de crecimiento en la regeneración de diferentes tejidos, lo que ha llevado a la utilización de los derivados hemáticos. Se considera este tratamiento una herramienta viable y efectiva para favorecer la epitelización en enfermedades de la superficie ocular. Es necesario encontrar una terapia eficaz en las alteraciones de la superficie ocular rebeldes a tratamientos convencionales. El objetivo del estudio es demostrar que la terapia celular es una novedosa disciplina científica a aplicar en nuestro medio. Se presentan tres casos atendidos en el servicio de córnea del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" con enfermedades de la superficie ocular. Caso clínico 1, paciente con úlcera corneal bacteriana grave que evolucionó a adelgazamiento en los 360°. Caso clínico 2, paciente con diagnóstico de melting corneal post de displasia conjuntival. Caso clínico 3, paciente con defecto epitelial post úlcera corneal. En los tres casos, se indicó plasma rico en plaquetas como único tratamiento, con una duración variable según respuesta al tratamiento. En todos los casos se logró regeneración epitelial en menor tiempo y rápida mejoría de las manifestaciones clínicas. No presentaron complicaciones, los pacientes mejoraron la agudeza visual tras lograr la cicatrización corneal. Es una terapia eficaz y de fácil obtención. Tiene impacto en la calidad de vida del paciente, con rápida reincorporación laboral y social, por lo que reduce los gastos sociales y económicos por tiempo de enfermedad y recuperación(AU)

In recent years, multiple investigations have shown the participation of growth factors in the regeneration of different tissues, which has led to the use of hematic derivatives. This treatment is considered a viable and effective tool to promote epithelialization in diseases of the ocular surface. It is necessary to find an effective therapy in alterations of the ocular surface that are resistant to conventional treatments, the objective of the study being to show cell therapy as a novel scientific discipline to be applied in our environment. Three cases treated in the cornea service of the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology "Ramón Pando Ferrer" with diseases of the ocular surface are presented. Clinical case 1, patient with severe bacterial corneal ulcer that progressed to 360° thinning. Clinical case 2, patient diagnosed with corneal melting after conjunctival dysplasia and clinical case 3, patient with epithelial defect post corneal ulcer. In all three cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was indicated as the only treatment, with a variable duration depending on the response to treatment. In all cases, the following was achieved: epithelial regeneration in less time and rapid improvement of clinical manifestations, no complications, patients improved visual acuity at the end of achieving corneal healing. Is an effective and easily obtained therapy. It has an impact on the patient's quality of life, with rapid work and social reintegration, thus reducing social and economic expenses due to illness and recovery time(AU)

Effects of commercial amniotic membrane extract on the re-epithelialization time and the early expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in cats with experimentally induced corneal ulcers.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether a commercially available amniotic membrane extract (AME) can accelerate corneal wound healing and suppress the early expression of MMP-9 in the tears of cats with experimentally induced superficial ulcerative keratitis. PROCEDURES: A total number of 16 cats were included. At the end of keratectomy, cats in the treatment group (TG, n = 8) received 40 µl of AME (EyeQ® Amniotic Eye Drops, Vetrix®) four times daily, while cats in the control group (CG, n = 8) received 40 µl of saline at the same time points. Tears were collected 24 and 48 h after keratectomy, and the total MMP-9 was quantified by ELISA. RESULTS: The corneal re-epithelialization rate did not differ between groups (p = .26), being 0.48 ± 0.05 mm2 /h in the CG and 0.41 ± 0.03 mm2 /h in the TG. Similarly, the average time to achieve corneal wound healing did not differ between groups (p = .25) and was 61.50 ± 3.54 h in the CG and 70.50 ± 6.71 h in the TG. The dimensions of the ulcerated areas also did not differ at any time point between the groups (p > .05). In both groups, corneas healed without scarring, pigmentation, or vascularization. The expression of MMP-9 in the tears was similar in both groups at 24 h post-keratectomy, with a slight decrease at 48 h (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The instillation of a commercial AME (EyeQ®) is safe, but it did not decrease the corneal re-epithelialization time or the early expression of MMP-9 in the tears of cats with experimentally induced superficial ulcerative keratitis in this study.

Hydrodissection in the construction of conjunctival flaps in dogs

Background: Hydrodissection is a minimally invasive procedure that consists of injecting fluid into an anatomical space to facilitate dissection during surgery. Although this procedure is employed in several areas of veterinary medicine, including ophthalmology, there are no reports of the use of this maneuver in conjunctival procedures in dogs. The use of this technique can facilitate the construction of conjunctival pedicle flaps, thereby improving the results. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the use of hydrodissection in the construction of conjunctival pedicle flaps in dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: The sample consisted of 20 eyes from 10 healthy dogs that had been subjected to elective surgical procedures of ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy. The dogs were divided into 2 groups; the 1st group of 10 eyes underwent hydrodissection and the 2nd group of 10 eyes did not. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination and assessment of their systemic conditions. The patients were then anesthetized and the procedures were performed under a surgical microscope. In the group subjected to hydrodissection, the conjunctival flap was prepared by means of a previous subconjunctival injection of 0.7 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride, followed by preparation of the flap. In the group without hydrodissection, the flap was prepared by means of conventional divulsion using iris scissors. After producing the conjunctival flaps, a conjunctival fragment was collected from both groups for histological analysis and evaluation of the presence of the Tenon capsule. The operating time, degree of hemorrhage and ease of handling the conjunctiva in the intraoperative period were evaluated. Postoperative evaluations were performed at 1, 7 and 14 days after surgery and included: blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia and edema, which were classified as absent, mild, moderate or severe; tear production was evaluated using the Schirmer test, and the appearance of the conjunctival scar was assessed based on photographs taken in the postoperative period, and by a visual analogue scale, with healing classified as fair, good or excellent. The 2 groups showed no statistical difference in terms of operating time, bleeding, ease of handling and conjunctival divulsion. A volume of 0.48 ± 0.12 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride was administered to the conjunctiva. Postoperative assessments of hyperemia, blepharospasm, conjunctival edema, and tear production also did not differ statistically. Conjunctival scarring was considered optimal until the 14th postoperative day, with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. These results demonstrate that both maneuvers are effective in creating conjunctival flaps. The Tenon capsule could not be identified in histological stains. Discussion: The literature offers numerous descriptions of the use of hydrodissection in surgical procedures in humans in order to facilitate dissection and reduce surgical duration and handling, thereby improving the clinical recovery of patients. Conversely, this technique has not been described frequently in veterinary medicine, notably with respect to conjunctival procedures. In this study, we demonstrated that conjunctival hydrodissection was perfectly feasible, contributing to the divulsion and preparation of conjunctival flaps, thus proving to be a viable option for this type of procedure. The absence of the Tenon capsule in the evaluated samples demonstrates that, in both groups, the techniques were effective in separating them from the conjunctiva. It was therefore concluded that the hydrodissection technique is a feasible maneuver in the construction of conjunctival flaps, providing a new option for surgeons, especially for novice ophthalmologists.

Bacterial keratitis in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo: a 21-year review of the epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical data

ABSTRACT Infectious keratitis is a sight-threatening condition that is usually an ocular emergency. The visual outcome depends on prompt and accurate clinical management as well as geographic and epidemiological awareness. We conducted a retrospective observational study to define the epidemiological and laboratory profile, as well as the clinical course of bacterial keratitis in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo over 21 years. Information about age, sex, predisposing factors, topical and surgical treatment, visual acuity, ulcers' classification, bacterioscopy, culture, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were collected. This study included 160 patients. The mean age was 65.1 ± 18.4 years and risk factors were identified in 83.1 % of the patients. Empirical topical fortified cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside or fourth-generation fluoroquinolone was curative for 66.2 % of the cases. The mean treatment duration was 22.5 ± 9 days. The mean variation of visual acuity was −0.25 logMAR, p < 0.001. Culture revealed 64 % of Gram-positive bacteria. All Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to cephalothin, vancomycin, and quinolones. All Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. These findings reinforce the importance of prompt empirical treatment of severe corneal ulcers with a fortified cephalosporin and aminoglycoside or a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone as there are equally effective. Collected data was insufficient to evaluate resistance of ocular infections over time in this population.

Manifestações clínicas de ceratite ulcerativa periférica com ceratite neurotrófica: desafio terapêutico / Clinical manifestations of peripheral ulcerative keratitis together with neurotrophic keratitis: therapeutic challenge

RESUMO A ceratite ulcerativa periférica é uma infiltração corneana imunomediana associada a doenças autoimunes e inflamatórias sistêmicas. Comumente associada à artrite reumatoide, ela também pode estar associada a outras doenças reumatológicas, inflamatórias e doenças infecciosas. A ceratite ulcerativa periférica é geralmente unilateral e periférica, devido à proximidade com a vasculatura conjuntival. Há tipicamente um defeito epitelial sobrejacente ao infiltrado e afinamento do estromal associado. O objetivo deste relato de caso foi abordar uma das possíveis etiologias de ceratite ulcerativa periférica associada a quadro de ceratite neurotrófica por herpes simplex, apresentar sua apresentação clínica aguda e alertar sobre as implicações do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is an immune-mediated corneal infiltration associated with autoimmune diseases and systemic inflammation. Commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis, it may also be associated with other rheumatologic, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. PUK is usually unilateral and peripheral, due to its proximity to the conjunctival vasculature. There is usually an epithelial defect overlying the infiltrate and the associated stromal thinning. The objective of this case report is to address one of the possible etiologies of PUK associated with a picture of neurotrophic keratitis due to Herpes Simplex and its acute clinical presentation, and to warn about possible suggestions for treatment.

Hydrodissection to create conjunctival flaps in dogs with corneal ulcers.

Background and Aim: Hydrodissection is a liquid injection technique that is rarely used in animal ophthalmic procedures. The use of this technique in the creation of conjunctival flaps for the treatment of corneal ulcers in dogs can improve the outcome, task, and comfort for patients. This study aimed to evaluate the use of hydrodissection in the creation of conjunctival flaps in dogs with corneal ulcers. Materials and Methods: This study focused on a surgical procedure for creating conjunctival flaps in the eyes of 17 dogs with deep corneal ulcers. We divided the patients into two groups: Hydrodissection was performed in the first group (G1) and conventional divulsion without hydrodissection in the second group (G2). In G1, the conjunctival flap was created by subconjunctival injection of 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride, followed by flap construction. The flap was constructed through conventional divulsion using iris scissors in the G2. The operative time, degree of bleeding, and ease of conjunctival divulsion were evaluated during the procedure. Blepharospasm, hyperemia, edema, and scarring of the conjunctiva were evaluated during the post-operative period. Post-operative complications, notably suture dehiscence, were recorded in each group. Results: Hydrodissection is an easy-to-perform maneuver that optimizes the construction of conjunctival flaps. There were no statistical differences in the parameters used to evaluate the trans- and post-operative period between the groups. The volume of sodium chloride administered in the conjunctiva ranged from 0.5 mL to 1 mL in G1. Dehiscence of the flap sutures was observed in four patients (two in G1 and two in G2), with no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Hydrodissection facilitates the construction of conjunctival flaps in dogs with corneal ulcers, affording greater comfort to patients and proving to be an excellent option for ophthalmologists.

Úlcera de córnea em bugio-ruivo (Alouatta guariba clamitans) - tratamento com soro heterólogo / Corneal ulcer in a Southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) - treatment with heterologous serum

Background: In the routine care of non-human primates, ocular trauma is frequent, however, unlike the small animal clinic, the prevalence of corneal ulcers is not documented. Among the numerous therapeutic options available in dogs, blood serum is being increasingly used as an adjuvant treatment in these conditions, due to its tear-like properties. Based on this, the present study aims to describe a case of corneal ulcer in a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) attacked by a porcupine, and the use of heterologous serum obtained from an equine as an adjuvant treatment. Case: A southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans), which had been attacked by porcupine quills, was treated at a University Veterinary Hospital. During the clinical examination, the presence of blepharospasm and secretion in the right eye was noticed. The ophthalmological examination, through the fluorescein test, detected the presence of an extensive superficial corneal ulcer in the right eye. After removing the spines, the corneal ulcer was treated with tobramycin-based eye drops, 1% atropine sulfate eye drops, and serum from equine blood in the form of eye drops, as an adjuvant therapy. After 5 days of treatment, the fluorescein test was repeated, which was negative in both eyes due to complete healing of the lesion, and thus the treatment was concluded. Discussion: The scarcity of scientific literature on wild animals is one of the factors responsible for the difficulty in advancing clinical and surgical procedures in non-human primates. Corneal ulcers are characterized by the loss of corneal epithelium with exposure of the stroma. The main clinical treatments adopted include antimicrobial therapy, analgesics, lubricating agents, and antiprotease drugs. Widely used as an adjuvant therapy in corneal ulcers in small animals, blood serum presents some advantages, as it is rich in growth factors, vitamins, immunoglobulins, and anti-collagenolytic substances, in addition to being obtained for a low cost. Considering the aforementioned, in the case reported, it was decided to use blood serum obtained from an equine as an adjuvant treatment of the corneal ulcer in a southern brown howler monkey. Complete healing of the corneal ulcer was confirmed in just five days, contributing to the well-being of this animal and contributing to the evolution of ophthalmology in this species that is still poorly studied.

Evisceration and enucleation cases in the ophthalmologic emergency department of a tertiary Brazilian hospital / Casos de evisceração e enucleação em departamento de urgência oftalmológica de um hospital terciário Brasileiro

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the epidemiological profiles of evisceration and enucleation cases in the ophthalmologic emergency department of a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Methods: Patients treated in the ophthalmologic emergency department of Hospital São Paulo (Universidade Federal de São Paulo) during the period 2013 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Urgent cases of evisceration or enucleation surgery were included, and elective cases were excluded. The following information was extracted from the patients' medical records: demographic data, immediate and associated reasons for the surgical procedure, informed visual acuity, symptom duration until ophthalmologic care, complications, distance from the residence to the tertiary hospital, and time of hospitalization. Results: In total, 61 enucleations and 121 eviscerations were included in this study. The patients had a mean age of 63.27 ± 18.68 years. Of the patients, 99 were male (54.40%), and 83 were female (45.60%). The indications for evisceration or enucleation were corneal perforation with (44.50%) and without (23.63%) signs of infection, endophthalmitis (15.38%), ocular trauma (14.29%), neoplasia (0.55%), burn accident (1.10%), and phthisis bulbi (0.55%). The self-reported visual acuity was no light perception (87.36%) or light perception (1.10%). However, 3.30% of the patients did not cooperate with the examination, and no information on visual acuity was available for the remaining 8.24%. The mean symptom duration before ophthalmologic care was sought was 18.32 days. Two patients had sympathetic ophthalmia after evisceration. Conclusions: More eviscerations than enucleations were performed throughout the study period. The most common demographic characteristics were age >60 years and male sex. The main indications for urgent evisceration and enucleation procedures were corneal perforation with and without infection, endophthalmitis, and ocular trauma. The findings from this study could guide clinicians in performing preventive measures to avoid destructive eye procedures.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de evisceração e enucleação no pronto-socorro oftalmológico de um hospital terciário brasileiro. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos casos tratados no pronto-socorro oftalmológico do Hospital São Paulo (Universidade Federal de São Paulo) entre os anos de 2013 a 2018. Os casos urgentes de evisceração e enucleação foram incluídos e os casos eletivos foram excluídos. A análise dos prontuários médicos foi baseada em: dados demográficos, causas imediatas e associadas ao procedimento, acuidade visual informada, duração dos sintomas antes do atendimento oftalmológico, complicações, distância da residência até o hospital e tempo de hospitalização. Resultados: 61 enucleações e 121 eviscerações foram incluídas no estudo. Os pacientes tinham uma média de idade de 63,27 ± 18,68 anos; 99 eram do sexo masculino (54,50%) e 83 do sexo feminino (45,60%). As indicações de evisceração e enucleação foram: perfuração corneana com (44,50%) e sem (23,63%) sinais infecciosos, endoftalmite (15,38%), trauma ocular (14,29%), neoplasia (0,55%), queimadura (1,10%) e phthisis bulbi (0,55%). A acuidade visual informada foi de ausência de percepção luminosa (87,36%), percepção luminosa (1.10%), ausência de colaboração (3,30%) e sem dados informados (8,24%). A média de tempo até a busca pelo serviço oftalmológico foi de 18,32 dias. Houve 2 casos de oftalmia simpática após evisceração. Conclusões: Eviscerações foram predominantemente realizadas em comparação a enucleações em todo o período de estudo. As características demográficas mais comuns foram idade >60 anos e sexo masculino. As principais indicações para procedimentos urgentes de evisceração e enucleação foram perfuração corneana com e sem infecção, endoftalmite e trauma ocular. Este estudo poderia guiar medidas preventivas para evitar procedimentos oculares destrutivos.

Actualización diagnóstica y terapéutica sobre la úlcera corneal / Diagnostic and therapeutic updating about the corneal ulcer

Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva sobre la anatomía de la córnea, a fin de profundizar en los principales factores predisponentes de la úlcera corneal, sus causas, cuadro clínico, evolución, complicaciones y tratamiento. Se analizó conceptualmente la enfermedad y se propuso incluir en su concepto el método clínico como premisa. Actualmente, en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, la curación de estas úlceras constituye un problema de salud a resolver, puesto que los tratamientos convencionales no siempre permiten una evolución estable de los pacientes diagnosticados, razón por la cual surge la necesidad de buscar medicamentos y alternativas terapéuticas para tratar a dichos pacientes.

An exhaustive literature review on the cornea anatomy was carried out in order to deepen in the main predisposing factors of the corneal ulcer, their causes, clinical picture, clinical course, complications and treatment. The disease was conceptually analyzed and it was suggested to include in its concept the clinical method as premise. At the moment, in Santiago de Cuba province, the cure of these ulcers constitutes a health problem to solve, since the conventional treatments not always allow a stable clinical course of the diagnosed patients, reason why there is a necessity of searching medicines and therapeutic alternatives to treat them.

Caracterización de pacientes con úlcera grave de la córnea y queratoplastia terapéutica

RESUMEN Introducción: La queratoplastia ha sido la técnica más empleada para el tratamiento de las alteraciones corneales. Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la queratoplastia terapéutica en pacientes con úlcera grave de la córnea. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal a 17 ojos de 16 pacientes operados de queratoplastia terapéutica que presentaron úlcera grave de la córnea, 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 2018 a diciembre de 2019. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, procedencia, ocupación, factores predisponentes, tiempo de evolución previo al ingreso, tratamiento tópico previo y germen causal. En el análisis estadístico se utilizó la frecuencia absoluta y el porcentaje para las variables cualitativas y para las cuantitativas, la media y la desviación estándar. Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes del sexo masculino, jubilados con más de 60 años. Prevaleció el trauma ocular no quirúrgico como factor predisponente. Previo al ingreso se aplicó con mayor frecuencia el colirio antibiótico y el tiempo de evolución promedio fue de 12,2 días. El grupo de gérmenes más preponderante fue el de las bacterias. Conclusiones: El vínculo entre el germen causal y la aplicación de medicamentos tópicos previos de manera prolongada propicia que la enfermedad evolucione tórpidamente hacia formas graves de úlcera corneal. Lo que ofrece una respuesta deficiente y prolongada a los esquemas convencionales de tratamiento, que en ocasiones llevan a una queratoplastia terapéutica-tectónica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Keratoplasty has been the most used technique for the treatment of corneal alterations. Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of therapeutic keratoplasty in patients with severe corneal ulcer. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 17 eyes of 16 patients operated on for therapeutic keratoplasty who presented severe corneal ulcer, admitted to the Ophthalmology service of the Hospital "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" in Santiago de Cuba, in the period from January 2018 to December 2019. The variables studied were: age, gender, origin, occupation, predisposing factors, time of evolution prior to admission, previous topical treatment and causal germ. In the statistical analysis, the absolute frequency and the percentage were used for the qualitative variables, and for the quantitative ones, the mean and the standard deviation. Results: Male patients predominated, retired with more than 60 years. Non-surgical ocular trauma prevailed as a predisposing factor. Prior to admission, antibiotic eye drops were applied more frequently, and the average evolution time was 12.2 days. The most preponderant group of germs was bacteria. Conclusions: The link between the causal germ and the application of previous topical medications in a prolonged manner favors the torpid evolution of the disease towards severe forms of corneal ulcer. This evolution offers a poor and prolonged response to conventional treatment schemes, which sometimes lead to a therapeutic-tectonic keratoplasty.

RESUMO Introdução: A ceratoplastia tem sido a técnica mais utilizada para o tratamento das alterações corneanas. Objetivo: Descrever as características clínico-epidemiológicas da ceratoplastia terapêutica em pacientes com úlcera de córnea grave. Método: Estudo observacional descritivo e transversal em 17 olhos de 16 pacientes operados de ceratoplastia terapêutica que apresentavam úlcera de córnea grave, internados no serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" em Santiago de Cuba no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2019. Foram estudadas as variáveis idade, sexo, procedência, ocupação, fatores predisponentes, tempo de evolução antes da admissão, tratamento tópico prévio e germe causal. Na análise estatística, utilizou-se a frequência absoluta e o percentual para as variáveis qualitativas e para as quantitativas, a média e o desvio padrão. Resultados: Predominou pacientes do sexo masculino, aposentados com mais de 60 anos. O trauma ocular não cirúrgico prevaleceu como fator predisponente. Antes da internação, colírios antibióticos foram aplicados com maior frequência e o tempo médio de evolução foi de 12,2 dias. O grupo de germes mais preponderante foi o de bactérias. Conclusões: A ligação entre o germe causal e a aplicação de medicações tópicas prévias de forma prolongada favorece a evolução entorpecida da doença para formas graves de úlcera de córnea. O que oferece uma resposta pobre e prolongada aos esquemas de tratamento convencionais, que por vezes conduzem a uma queratoplastia tectónica terapêutico.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis as presenting manifestation of systemic microscopic polyangiitis: a case report / Ceratite ulcerativa periférica como manifestação de poliangiíte microscópica sistêmica: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Microscopic polyangiitis is a rare autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, characterized by inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels. It forms a part of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides-a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by vasculitis. It is a systemic disease affecting multiple organs. The patients may present with a wide variety of symptoms. Ocular manifestations may present as its initial clinical symptoms, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for reducing the morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis aids in the formulation of appropriate treatment and prevention of further complications. Aggressive treatment, including surgery, is often necessary to limit structural damage and preserve visual function. We present the case of an 82-year-old woman who initially presented with peripheral ulcerative keratitis that led to the diagnosis of microscopic polyangiitis.

RESUMO A poliangeíte microscópica é uma doença autoimune rara de etiologia desconhecida, caracterizada por inflamação e necrose dos vasos sanguíneos. Faz parte das vasculites associadas a anticorpos citoplasmáticos antineutrófilos - um grupo heterogêneo de doenças caracterizadas por vasculite. É uma doença sistêmica que afeta vários órgãos. Os pacientes podem apresentar uma grande variedade de sintomas. As manifestações oculares podem apresentar-se como seus sintomas clínicos iniciais, necessitando de abordagem multidisciplinar para redução da morbimortalidade. O diagnóstico precoce ajuda na formulação do tratamento adequado e na prevenção de complicações futuras. O tratamento agressivo, incluindo cirurgia, muitas vezes é necessário para limitar o dano estrutural e preservar a função visual. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 82 anos que inicialmente apresentou ceratite ulcerativa periférica que levou ao diagnóstico de poliangite microscópica.

Solid Platelet­rich Plasma Combined with Silicone-hydrogel Soft Contact Lens for Non-healing Corneal Ulcers: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To present a case series of non-healing corneal ulcers treated by solid activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with silicone-hydrogel soft contact lens. METHODS: Three eyes from three patients with unresponsive corneal ulcers were included. A clot of PRP was applied directly onto the corneal ulcer and covered with a soft contact lens. The primary outcome was corneal healing. Changes in corneal ulcer area were measured by analyzing slit-lamp photographs taken using ImageJ software. RESULTS: Successful corneal healing was achieved in all patients within two weeks, with no recurrences or signs of infection through the last follow-up. In two of the three cases, treatment was applied twice. CONCLUSIONS: This novel procedure was easy to perform, economically advantageous, and a possible alternative to surgical approaches for enhancing epithelial wound healing in patients with non-healing corneal ulcers. Further prospective and comparative studies are needed to assess the efficacy of this treatment.