Nationwide incidence of endophthalmitis among the general population and the subjects at risk of endophthalmitis in Italy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the incidence of endophthalmitis in Italy.


METHODS
The Ministry of Health Hospital Admissions online database was searched to identify cases of endophthalmitis and cases with risk factors for endophthalmitis (corneal ulcer, open wound of the eyeball, and intraocular surgery including retinal, iris, and lens procedures with or without vitrectomy). Annual Incidence rates (overall, and age- and gender-specific) were computed in the general population and in the population with one or more of the risk factors for endophthalmitis.


RESULTS
The overall annual incidence of endophthalmitis / 100,000 inhabitants was 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI):1.8-2.1) in 2003. The risk for endophthalmitis and for most factors that cause predisposition to endophthalmitis was higher in males. The annual incidence rates of corneal ulcer, open wounds of the eyeball, retinal procedures, iris procedures, lens procedures, and other intraocular procedures were respectively (per 100,000 inhabitants) 4.6, 4.8, 43.0, 9.2, 775.7, and 63.0. The annual incidence of endophthalmitis per 100,000 predisposed subjects was 220 (95% CI: 210-230), and the risk was higher in males (relative risk 1.7, 95% CI: 1.5-1.9). Annual incidence rates remained stable from 1999 to 2003.


CONCLUSIONS
Higher rates of open wounds of the eyeball, corneal ulcers, and retinal surgery among males may be responsible for their higher risk for endophthalmitis.
Cedrone
Claudio
C
Department of Biopathology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. cedrone@uniroma2.it
Ricci
Federico
F
Regine
Federico
F
Cerulli
Angelica
A
Palma
Stefano
S
Culasso
Franco
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D055815:Young Adult