Corneal silver deposits following Crede's prophylaxis an examination with electron dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX-analysis) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).
In a case of silver nitrate injury after Credé's prophylaxis, the cornea of a newborn presented yellow-brown, lime-like plaques on the nasal part of the right eye. A paracentral ulcerating stromal opacification undermined these appositions, when the patient was admitted to the eye-clinic at Aachen. In the material obtained by a lamellar keratectomy scanning electron microscopical examination was able to prove the existence of granules, previously described in light-microscopy. These granules measured 100 to 300 nm in diameter. An earlier chemical analysis of necrotic material showed no silver specific reaction. By means of EDX-analysis these granules could be identified as silver-containing. Injuries by silver nitrate solutions used for Credé's prophylaxis are seldom but still reported. The mechanism of injury in this case of a child, born by sectio remains unknown. Neither the use of an unusual silver nitrate solution, that was taken from a disposable ampoule (Mova-Nitrat R) was reported, nor any corneal injury during sectio mentioned. Nevertheless the method of EDX-analysis and SEM proved the diagnosis of corneal silver deposits, so that the origin of the granullar opacification of the cornea could be determined.
Schirner
G
G
Augenklinik, RWTH Aachen.
Schrage
N F
NF
Salla
S
S
Teping
C
C
Reim
M
M
Burchard
W G
WG
Schwab
B
B
D003315:Cornea / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012834:Silver / Q000032:analysis*; D012835:Silver Nitrate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D012834:Silver; D012835:Silver Nitrate