Endophthalmitis in a tertiary center in Nigeria

• Main Authors: Odarosa M Uhumwangho, Efe P Akpata
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2015-01-01
• Series: Sahel Medical Journal
• Subjects: Endogenous endophthalmitis; microorganisms; postsurgical; post traumatic
• Online Access: http://www.smjonline.org/article.asp?issn=1118-8561;year=2015;volume=18;issue=2;spage=74;epage=77;aulast=Uhumwangho

Background: Endophthalmitis is a sight-threatening condition due to inflammation of intraocular structures usually from infectious organisms. The study aims to identify the pattern of presentation of endophthalmitis in a tertiary center in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study of cases with a diagnosis of endophthalmitis. Results: Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients were found comprising, 20 (76.9%) males and 6 (23.1%) females. The mean age of the patients was 32.4 ± 24.5 years (range 2-68 years) of which 11 (42.3%) were ≤ 16 years (P < 0.005). There were 14 (53.8%) right eyes and 12 (46.2%) left eyes involved. The most common etiology was post traumatic infection in 16 (61.5%) cases of which 11 (68.8%) occurred in children ≤ 16 years. Complications of cataract surgery was the only surgically related etiology in 7 (26.9) cases. Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare occurrence. Conclusion: Supervised play in children, strict adherence to asepsis protocol in surgeries, prompt diagnosis with well-equipped ancillary investigations and appropriate early intervention will help limit the incidence of endophthalmitis and improve outcomes.