Risk factors, microbiological findings, and clinical outcomes in cases of microbial keratitis admitted to a tertiary referral center in ireland.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the risk factors for, and to report the microbiological findings and clinical outcomes of, severe microbial keratitis (MK).


METHODS
This was a retrospective study of all cases of presumed MK admitted to a tertiary referral center over a 2-year period (September 2001 to August 2003). Data recorded included demographic data, details relating to possible risk factors, results of microbiological studies, clinical findings at presentation, and clinical and visual outcomes.


RESULTS
Ninety patients were admitted with a diagnosis of presumed MK during the study period. The mean age of patients was 45 +/- 32 years, and the male to female ratio was 47:43 (52.2%:47.7%). Predisposing risk factors for MK included contact lens wear (37; 41.1%), anterior segment disease (19; 21.1%), ocular trauma (13; 14.4%), systemic disease (5; 5.6%), and previous ocular surgery (1; 1.1%). Cultured organisms included gram-negative bacteria (17; 51.5%), gram-positive bacteria (11, 33.3%), acanthamoeba (2; 6.1%), and fungi (1; 3%). Visual acuity improved significantly after treatment [mean best-corrected visual acuity (+/-standard deviation) at presentation: 0.76 (+/-0.11); mean best-corrected visual acuity at last follow-up: 0.24 (+/-0.07); P < 0.001]. Secondary surgical procedures were required in 18 (20%) cases, and these included punctal cautery (1; 1.1%), tissue glue repair of corneal perforation (2; 2.2%), tarsorrhaphy (9; 9.9%), Botulinum toxin-induced ptosis (1; 1.1%), penetrating keratoplasty (3; 3.3%), and evisceration (2; 2.2%).


CONCLUSIONS
Contact lens wear remains a significant risk factor for severe MK. MK remains a threat to vision and to the eye, but the majority of cases respond to prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Saeed
Ayman
A
Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, Ireland. aymantalat@gmail.com
D'Arcy
Fiona
F
Stack
Jim
J
Collum
Louis M
LM
Power
William
W
Beatty
Stephen
S
D015823:Acanthamoeba Keratitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000628:therapy; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D010343:Patient Admission; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents