Six cases of bacterial infection in porous orbital implants.
BACKGROUND
We present 6 cases of bacterial infection that developed after porous orbital implant surgery.


METHODS
Five patients with hydroxyapatite implants showed lid swelling, discharge, and suppurative granuloma 14 days to 3 years after surgery. The hydroxyapatite implants were removed 14 days to 41 months postoperatively, and synthetic porous polyethylene orbital implants were inserted. Thick discharge and conjunctival melting was noted 14 months after primary Medpor implant surgery in the sixth patient, and the infection was controlled by medical therapy.


METHODS
The culture of specimens removed with swabs from the conjunctiva of patients and from the hydroxyapatite implants showed growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, alpha-hemolytic streptococcus and peptostreptococcus in 4 patients, whereas Streptococcus pyogenes were cultured from the conjunctiva in the Medpor implant patient. Culture for the remaining patient was negative .


CONCLUSIONS
If there is continuous pain, injection, and discharge after porous implant insertion, bacterial infection in the implant should be considered immediately. Systemic antibiotics and topical eye drops should be administered without delay. If no improvement is observed, the implant should be removed and a different approach must be considered.
You
Jung-Ran
JR
Department of Ophthalmology, St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Seo
Jin-Ho
JH
Kim
Yeong-Hoon
YH
Choi
Woong-Chul
WC
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020273:Orbital Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016062:Porosity; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents