INFECTIOUS KERATITIS-ASSOCIATED ENDOPHTHALMITIS: A 14-Year Study

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the demographics, characteristics, management, and outcomes of eyes with endophthalmitis related to infectious keratitis.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients treated for infectious keratitis-associated infectious endophthalmitis between 2001 and 2014 at University Hospital, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Results: Thirty-eight cases with infectious keratitis-associated infectious endophthalmitis were identified (21 men [55%], mean age: 66.2 ± 20.7 years), with average time from the beginning of ulcer symptoms to endophthalmitis of 11.0 days. Associated systemic conditions (diabetes, HIV, immunosuppressive therapy, cirrhosis, or dementia) were present in 57.9%; 60.5% had previous intraocular surgery. Etiology showed gram-positive bacteria in 14 cases (36.9%), gram-negative bacteria in 7 (18.4%), fungi in 4 (10.5%), and no growth/unknown in 12 (31.6%). Nineteen cases (50%) presented with no light perception and were primarily enucleated. The remaining 19 eyes each received intravitreal antibiotics (mean: 1.5 injections); 8 (42.0%) underwent pars plans vitrectomy with vitreous biopsy, whereas 5 (26.3%) received emergency corneal transplantation. Final visual acuity was no light perception in 6 eyes (3 secondarily enucleated), light perception in 2, hand motion in 7, counting fingers in 2, and ≥20/50 in 2.

Conclusion: Our study of 38 eyes with infectious keratitis-associated infectious endophthalmitis revealed generally poor visual outcomes and a high rate of systemic conditions and previous intraocular surgery.