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Endophthalmitis of elderly patients : about 17 cases

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First Author: B.Mrini MOROCCO

Co Author(s):    M. basma   E. loubna   A. abdellah   C. lalla ouafae           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The aim of our study is to assess the epidemiological, etiological and clinical profile of endophthalmitis in the elderly as well as the treatment modalities and the evolution of this pathology.

Setting:

In a retrospective study from January 2017 to november 2019, conducted in patients over the age of 60 hospitalized in the "A" ophthalmology department at the Rabat specialty hospital for endophthalmitis.

Methods:

All our patients underwent a precise interrogation, a complete and bilateral ophthalmologic examination. The initial additional examinations included vitreous samples and ocular ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Patients are divided into 9 women (52.9%) an 8 men (47%), aged 60 to 96 years. General risk factors have been identified: 7 patients were diabetic (41%), 3 hypertensive (17 .6%) and 4 glaucomatous patients (23.5%).

Results:

10 endophthalmitis occurred following cataract surgery (58%), 2 after traditional lowering of the crystalline "dadsi" (11.7%), 1 after posterior vitrectomy, 1 after a trauma of the eye and finally 3 cases of idiopathic endophthalmitis (17.6%).The mean hospital stay was 20 days (9-27 days). The first symptoms appeared on average between 2 and 30 days after the surgery and 7 days after the trauma. Vitreous samples were taken from all of our patients. Ocular ultrasound was performed in 10 patients showing vitreous condensations with retinal detachment (1 patient). All patients received systemic and intravitreal bi-antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions:

The elderly are particularly prone to eye infections, due to physiological decline in immunity, reduced tear production, damage to the ocular appendages and sometimes reduced drug compliance. Patients should be informed of the risks of endophthalmitis and the warning signs postoperatively.The precautions aimed at respecting basic hygiene rules are the best guarantees against this potentially blinding infection.

Financial Disclosure:

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