Haemophilus influenzae associated scleritis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical course and treatment of Haemophilus influenzae associated scleritis.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


RESULTS
Three patients developed scleritis associated with ocular H influenzae infection. Past medical history, review of systems, and laboratory testing for underlying collagen vascular disorders were negative in two patients. One patient had arthritis associated with an antinuclear antibody titre of 1:160 and a Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 83 mm in the first hour. Each patient had ocular surgery more than 6 months before developing scleritis. Two had cataract extraction and one had strabismus surgery. Nodular abscesses associated with areas of scleral necrosis were present in each case. Culture of these abscesses revealed H influenzae in all patients. Treatments included topical, subconjunctival, and systemic antibiotics. Scleral inflammation resolved and visual acuity improved in each case.


CONCLUSIONS
H influenzae infection may be associated with scleritis. Accurate diagnosis and treatment may preserve ocular integrity and good visual acuity.
Sykes
S O
SO
Francis I Proctor Foundation, UCSF, School of Medicine 94143-0944, USA.
Riemann
C
C
Santos
C I
CI
Meisler
D M
DM
Lowder
C Y
CY
Whitcher
J P
JP
Cunningham
E T
ET
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015423:Scleritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents