ENDOGENOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS ASSOCIATED WITH INJECTION DRUG USE COMPARED WITH OTHER ETIOLOGIES.

PURPOSE: To compare features of endogenous endophthalmitis associated with injection drug use (IDU) to endogenous endophthalmitis from other etiologies. METHODS: The authors retrospectively collected data on patients with endogenous endophthalmitis due to IDU or other causes from three academic tertiary care centers over a six-year period. Differences in presenting characteristics, culture results, treatment, and visual acuity were compared between groups. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (34%) had IDU-associated endogenous endophthalmitis while 75 patients (67%) had endogenous endophthalmitis from other causes. Compared with patients in the non-IDU group, IDU patients were significantly younger, more frequently male, had longer duration of symptoms at diagnosis, and were less likely to have bilateral disease ( P < 0.05 for all). Injection drug use patients were less likely to have a systemic infection source identified (29% vs. 71%, P < 0.001) or have positive cultures (47% vs. 80%, P < 0.001). The IDU group was less likely to be admitted to the hospital (71% vs. 92%, P = 0.005) and less likely to receive treatment with intravenous antimicrobials (55% vs. 83%, P = 0.003). Visual acuity did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Endophthalmitis related to IDU presents in younger patients with less comorbidities and frequently without positive cultures or an identifiable systemic source; therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed to identify this disease.

Systemic and Ocular Adverse Events with Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy Used in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy: a Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are used routinely in the management of neovascular conditions including proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. While the efficacy of anti-VEGF agents has been well-validated, their ocular and systemic adverse events should always be considered and discussed with patients. The aim of this review is to discuss the most recent literature reports regarding the various ocular and systemic adverse events associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in diabetic retinopathy. RECENT FINDINGS: The most frequently reported adverse ocular events include subconjunctival hemorrhage, vitreous hemorrhage, increased intraocular pressure, uveitis, endophthalmitis, ocular surface disease, and traumatic cataract. Subconjunctival hemorrhage and vitreous hemorrhage are the most common ocular adverse events reported with intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment. The most serious (though rare) ocular adverse events include endophthalmitis and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. A consensus regarding the association of systemic adverse events (such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and death) with intravitreal anti-VEGF treatments has not been established. Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy is used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other diseases. These agents are associated with a variety of ocular and systemic adverse events that ophthalmologists should always consider.