Eye-related emergency visits during the early phase of the coronavirus disease pandemic in a reference hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the profile of emergency eye-related visits at a reference eye hospital in Sao Paulo during the first months of the quarantine due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare it with that in the same period of the previous year. METHODS: Data were obtained from the emergency department of Ophthal Hospital Especializado, Sao Paulo, Brazil. All the cases registered between March 23 and May 19, 2020, were included in the study as Group 2020. The cases registered between March 23 and May 19, 2019, were included in the study as Group 2019. Frequency tables were used for the descriptive analyses. The chi-square and Fisher exact tests were applied to compare categorical variables between the groups. RESULTS: We observe a decrease of 46.15% in the number of cases during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. We observed a significant increase in the incidence rates of the following pathologies in 2020 compared with 2019: eyelid disorders (12.3%), corneal disorders (97.1%), retinal pathologies (173.1%), refraction (62.9%), glaucoma (acute and chronic; 43.9%), scleral alterations (68.8%), trauma (39.3%), herpes (54.7%), and cataracts (549.9%). On the other hand, the incidence rates of the following disorders decreased: conjunctivitis (-33.4%), disorders of lacrimal system (-81.0%), iridocyclitis (-39.9%), and postoperative visits (-80.1%). CONCLUSION: During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a drastic decrease in the number of patients who visited the emergency eye service. The main reasons for visiting were also changed, with higher frequencies of high-severity cases such as retina disturbances, cornea disturbances, glaucoma, and trauma and lower frequencies of transmittable conditions such as conjunctivitis.

Indication-prescription study for the management of conjunctivitis in a Colombian population.

PURPOSE: Conjunctivitis is one of the most common ocular pathologies. Its treatment depends on its etiology, but an excessive use of antibiotics and corticosteroids, which in many cases are contraindicated, has been described. The objective was to describe the prescription patterns of medications used to treat conjunctivitis in a Colombian population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on the pharmacological treatment of patients diagnosed with conjunctivitis between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021; based on a drug-dispensing database of approximately 8.5 million people affiliated with the Colombian Health System. Some sociodemographic and pharmacological variables and comorbidities were considered. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 8708 patients were identified; they had a median age of 44.7 years, and 59.3% were women. The most common causes of conjunctivitis were unspecified (53.1%) and allergic (37.4%). The most commonly used drug was olopatadine (26.1%), followed by dexamethasone with neomycin and polymyxin B (25.0%). A total of 97.0% of the patients received ophthalmic prescriptions, while 12.8% received systemic medications. Glucocorticoids (40.3%), antibiotics (37.7%) and antihistamines (31.7%) were the most commonly used groups of ophthalmic drugs. Glucocorticoids and ophthalmic antibiotics were the medications most frequently prescribed by general practitioners for the treatment of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients with conjunctivitis are not being managed according to the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines, which highlights that the widespread use of antibiotics with ophthalmic glucocorticoids could be considered potentially inappropriate prescriptions in many cases.

Alteração do perfil epidemiológico das conjuntivites no Hospital Banco de Olhos de Porto Alegre após o início da pandemia da COVID-19 / Changes in epidemiology of conjunctivitis in Hospital Banco de Olhos de Porto Alegre after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o perfil epidemiológico das conjuntivites atendidas no Pronto Socorro do Hospital Banco de Olhos de Porto Alegre (HBO) com destaque à conjuntivite infecciosa e compará-lo aos atendimentos após o início da pandemia pelo Coronavírus, observando como o isolamento social e as questões de higiene amplamente enfatizadas e estimuladas desde o início a pandemia influenciaram o número de conjuntivites bacterianas e virais atendidas neste serviço de referência. Métodos Estudo transversal e retrospectivo através da análise dos prontuários eletrônicos dos pacientes atendidos no serviço de emergência do HBO no período entre março e junho de 2019 e 2020. Resultados Observou-se uma redução significativa no número de atendimento no departamento de emergência após o início da pandemia. De março a junho de 2019, 21.678 atendimentos foram realizados. No mesmo período de 2020, este número foi de 14.194, uma queda de 34,5%. O índice de conjuntivite como principal causa da visita oftalmológica diminuiu significativamente, sendo a conjuntivite infecciosa aquela que teve a maior queda. Em 2019, a mesma foi responsável por 30,2% dos atendimentos e, em 2020, por 15,5%. Não foi observado mudanças em relação ao sexo mais atendido, no entanto, observou-se um aumento significante na idade do paciente. Conclusão O estudo demonstrou uma importante redução no número de atendimentos na emergência em relacionados à conjuntivite infecciosa após o início da pandemia pelo Coronavírus. Acredita-se que este fato esteja diretamente relacionado ao aumento dos cuidados de higiene, isolamento social e a restrições impostas pela pandemia.

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this paper is to evaluate the profile of the cases of conjuntivitis treated in the emergency department of the Banco de Olhos Hospital, emphasizing the infectious conjunctivitis, and compare before and after the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic and social isolation, both in public and private health care system. Methods A retrospective and transversal study where electronic files of the patients who visited the emergency department between March and June of 2019 and 2020 were reviewed. Results A significant reduction in the number of consultations at the emergency department was observed after the beginning of the pandemic. From March to June 2019, 21.678 visits were made. In the same period of 2020, this number was 14.194, a drop of 34.5%. The rate of visits having conjunctivitis as main cause also dropped significantly. Infectious conjunctivitis was the one who showed the highest decrease. In 2019, it was responsible for 30.2% of the visits and, in 2020, for 15.5%. There were no changes regarding the gender, but a significantly increase in patients' age was observed. Conclusion The study showed a dramatic reduction in the number of visits at the emergency department of ophthalmology regarding infectious conjunctivitis after the beginning of the pandemic, and we believe that the cause is related with an increase of hygiene care, social isolation and restrictions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Outbreak of follicular conjunctivitis associated with the diagnosis of anaplasmosis in a sheep herd.

OBJECTIVE: To report an outbreak of follicular conjunctivitis in a group of sheep diagnosed with Anaplasma spp., without any other co-infection. ANIMALS STUDIED: In all, 18 animals from a sheep head, males and females, from eight months to four years of age, were assessed for follicular conjunctivitis. PROCEDURES: The procedures performed included general physical and ophthalmological examinations; PCR evaluation for infectious agents; analysis of hematological parameters, microbiological tests of ocular swabs, coproparasitological examination, histopathological examination of conjunctival biopsy. RESULTS: All 18 animals had uni- or bilateral follicular conjunctivitis, and one animal also had unilateral uveitis. The results of microbiological analyzes were negative for Moraxella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Pseudomonas spp., and PCR analysis results were negative for Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp., and Toxoplasma gondii. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis, and an inclusion body in some erythrocytes, compatible with Anaplasma and PCR analysis for Anaplasma spp. were positive. CONCLUSION: Anaplasmosis may be associated with follicular conjunctivitis in sheep and should be included in the differential diagnosis list and investigated in cases of conjunctivitis in herds.

Surto de conjuntivite aguda no período de 2017-2018 em Recife, Brasil / Outbreak of acute conjunctivitis in the period 2017-2018 in Recife, Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil clínico, epidemiológico e o impacto econômico do surto de conjuntivite no período 2017-2018 no município de Recife-PE. Métodos: Estudo transversal com base na análise de prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de conjuntivite, atendidos na emergência da Fundação Altino Ventura entre dezembro/2017 e março/2018. Os dados coletados incluíram manifestações oculares no exame, complicações subsequentes, manejo e dias de licença médica. Resultados: Dos 12.712 pacientes atendidos na FAV entre dezembro de 2017 e março de 2018, 6.359 (50,0%) foram diagnosticados com conjuntivite, dos quais 3.543 pacientes (55,7%) foram atendimentos únicos. A média de idade dos pacientes ao atendimento foi de 29,5 ± 14,1 anos (variação, 1-85 anos), com distribuição semelhante entre os sexos (2.288 casos [50,1%] masculino; 2.282 casos [49,9%] feminino). O diagnóstico mais comum foi conjuntivite sem pseudomembrana (5.645 casos [88,8%]). Hiperemia conjuntival (6.278 casos [98,7%]) e reação folicular (6.255 casos [98,4%]) foram os achados mais frequentes ao exame. A complicação mais frequente foi pseudomembrana (1.062 casos [16,7%]). Os colírios lubrificantes (4.308 [67,7%]) e os colírios de associação antibiótico com corticoide (2.033 [32%]) foram os mais prescritos no tratamento. A média de dias de atestado médico foi de 4,8 ± 2,9 dias (variação, 1- 47 dias) e a perda de produtividade estimada em R$1.159.329,14. Conclusão: O surto de conjuntivite em Pernambuco foi responsável por metade das consultas em um pronto-socorro oftalmológico. Surtos de conjuntivite podem causar um impacto econômico, uma vez que afeta principalmente adultos jovens em idade produtiva. As características clínicas observadas sugerem um surto de conjuntivite de etiologia viral.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical profile and economic impact of the acute conjunctivitis outbreak in the period of 2017-2018 in Recife-PE. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on the analysis of medical records of patients diagnosed with conjunctivitis at the emergency room of the Altino Ventura Foundation (FAV) between December 2017 and March 2018. The collected data included ocular manifestations at examination, subsequent complications, management, and days of sick leave. Results: Out of 12,712 patients assisted at FAV from December 2017 to March 2018, 6,359 (50.0%) were diagnosed with conjunctivitis. The mean age of patients was 29.5 ± 14.1 years (range, 01-85 years), with similar distribution between sex (2,288 50.1% male; 2,282 49.9% female). The most common diagnosis was non-pseudomembranous conjunctivitis (5,645 cases 88.8%). Conjunctival hyperemia (6,278 cases 98.7%) and follicular reaction (6,255 cases 98.4%) were the most frequent ocular findings. The most common complication was pseudomembrane in 1,062 cases (16.7%). Lubricants (4,308 67.7%) and antibiotic associated to corticosteroid eyedrops (2,033 32.0%) were the most prescribed medications. The average days of sick leave per patient was 4.8 ± 2.9 days (range, 1- 47 days) and the productivity loss estimated in R$1.159.329,14. Conclusion: The conjunctivitis outbreak in Pernambuco, Brazil was responsible for half of the consultations in an ophthalmic emergency room. Conjunctivitis outbreaks may cause an economic impact as it mostly affects young adults in their productive ages and take in average a 5-day sick leave. The clinical characteristics observed suggest an outbreak of conjunctivitis of viral etiology.

Direct costs and clinical impact of adenovirus genotype 8 conjunctivitis outbreak in a neonatology unit.

OBJECTIVE: To report a conjunctivitis outbreak in a neonatology intensive care unit (NICU) and determine the associated economic impact. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC) University Hospital, a private, tertiary-care healthcare institution in Buenos Aires, Argentina. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 52 NICU neonates and 59 NICU-related healthcare workers (HCWs) from CEMIC hospital. METHODS: Neonates and HCWs were swabbed for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, viral culture, and typing by sequencing. Infection control measures, structural and logistic changes were implemented. Billing records were analyzed to determine costs. RESULTS: From January 30 to April 28, 2018, 52 neonates were hospitalized in the NICU. Among them, 14 of 52 (21%) had bilateral conjunctivitis with pseudomembranes. Symptomatic neonates and HCWs were HAdV-D8 positive. Ophthalmological symptoms had a median duration of 18 days (IQR, 13-24.5). PCR positivity and infectious range had a median duration of 18.5 days. As part of containment measures, the NICU and the high-risk pregnancy unit were closed to new patients. The NICU was divided into 2 areas for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients; a new room was assigned for the general nursery, and all deliveries from the high-risk pregnancy unit were redirected to other hospitals. The outbreak cost the hospital US$205,000: implementation of a new nursery room and extra salaries cost US$30,350 and estimated productivity loss during 1 month cost US$175,000. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory diagnosis confirmed the cause of this outbreak as HAdV-D8. The immediate adoption and reinforcement of rigorous infection control measures limited the nosocomial viral spread. This outbreak represented a serious institutional problem, causing morbidity, significant economic loss, and absenteeism.

O pronto-atendimento em um Hospital Oftalmológico no Sul do Brasil / The urgency department at an Ophthalmological Hospital in Southern Brazil

Resumo Objetivo: Traçar um perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com emergências oftalmológicas, e a prevalência de conjuntivites em duas estações do ano. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, transversal, através de revisão de prontuários de pacientes do pronto-atendimento do Hospital de Olhos do Paraná, referente ao período de uma semana do primeiro mês do verão e do inverno. As idades, queixas principais e diagnósticos foram organizados em grupos. Resultados: Foram revisados 2086 prontuários. O sexo masculino abrangeu 51,9%. A média da idade foi de 38±21 anos. O grupo de conjuntivites se destacou, com 46,4% do total de diagnósticos. Conjuntivites infecciosas (virais e bacterianas) somam 57,1%, 46,7%, 57,6%, 59,3% e 54,7% do total de conjuntivites nos grupos etários de 0-9 anos, 10-19 anos, 20-39 anos, 40-59 anos e ≥60 anos, respectivamente. No verão, dentre as conjuntivites, as alérgicas foram as mais prevalentes (34,7%), seguido por virais (29,6%), bacterianas (27,2%) e não especificadas (8,5%). Já no inverno, tiveram maior prevalência as virais (35%), seguido pelas alérgicas (34,7%), bacterianas (21,7%) e não especificadas (8,6%). A conjuntivite foi responsável por 78,5% dos diagnósticos na 1a década de vida contra 26,4% a partir da 7a década. Os outros diagnósticos mais prevalentes foram hordéolo/calázio (9,59%), ceratite ou úlcera bacteriana (6,52%) e hiposfagma (5,51%). Conclusão: O grupo de conjuntivites, em especial as conjuntivites infecciosas, foram as doenças mais frequentes dentre todos os diagnósticos. O inverno trouxe maior prevalência de conjuntivites gerais. Em ambas as estações houveram mais casos de conjuntivites virais que bacterianas, mas as virais foram mais expressivas no inverno. A prevalência de conjuntivites alérgicas foi a mesma nas duas estações. A faixa etária mais acometida por conjuntivites gerais foi a de 0 a 9 anos de idade.

Abstract Purpose: To ascertain the main ophthalmological acute diseases and the prevalence of conjunctivitis in two seasons of the year. Methods: Retrospective study by reviewing medical records review of medical records for the one-week period of the first month of summer and winter of the emergency department of the Hospital de Olhos do Paraná, in summer and winter seasons. The ages, major complaints and diagnoses were organized into groups. Results: Of 2086 patients, conjunctivitis had 46.4% of diagnoses. Infective conjunctivitis (viral and bacterial) accounted for 57.1%, 46.7%, 57.6%, 59.3% and 54.7% of total conjunctivitis in the age groups of 0-9 years, 10-19 years, 20-39 years, 40-59 years and ≥60 years, respectively. In summer, the most prevalent type of conjunctivitis was allergic (34.7%), followed by viral (29.6%), bacterial (27.2%) and unspecified (8.5%). In the winter, the prevalence sequence was viral (35%), allergic (34.7%), bacterial (21.7%) and unspecified (8.6%). Furthermore, conjunctivitis was responsible for 78.5% of the diagnoses in the first decade of life versus 26.4% from the seventh decade. The other most prevalent diagnoses were hordeolum / chalazion (9.59%), keratitis or bacterial ulcer (6.52%) and hyposphagma (5.51%). Conclusion: The group of conjunctivitis had the higher prevalence among the diagnosis. The winter season had a higher prevalence of general conjunctivitis. Both seasons have more viral than bacterial cases, but viral cases were more expressive in the winter. Allergic conjunctivitis had the same prevalence in the analyzed seasons. The age group most affected by general conjunctivitis was 0 to 9 years of age.

SARS-COV-2 y su relación con el sistema visual / SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship to the visual system

RESUMEN El virus SARS-COV-2, un nuevo coronavirus en humanos, surgió a finales del pasado año en China y provocó la entidad COVID-19. Desde entonces su expansión a más de 6 millones de personas en todo el mundo ha constituido un reto para el personal de salud en la lucha por evitar el contagio y en la constante búsqueda de las mejores alternativas de tratamiento. Con el objetivo de describir las alteraciones oculares que se han reportado en la literatura por el virus y los potenciales efectos oculares de la medicación empleada, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica actualizada utilizando distintas bases de datos. La incidencia de conjuntivitis en pacientes positivos a la COVID-19 es con frecuencia baja y a pesar de que hay evidencia de la trasmisión por secreciones oculares no existe consenso en el mecanismo patogénico utilizado. Se justifica el uso de medios de protección ocular, sobre todo en el personal cuya labor es cercana a los pacientes. No está demostrada la transmisión vertical de la entidad de gestantes a sus bebés, ni la afección oftálmica de estos últimos. La cloroquina y la hidroxicloroquina son medicamentos con efecto antiviral que solo causarían toxicidad ocular con altas dosis y tratamientos prolongados. Se propone realizar el examen oftalmológico completo al paciente una vez superada la enfermedad y continuar los estudios para esclarecer las interrogantes vigentes(AU)

ABSTRACT SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus affecting humans and causing the disease COVID-19, emerged at the end of last year in China. Ever since then its spread to more than 6 million people worldwide has been a challenge for the health personnel in their struggle to prevent contagion and find the best treatment alternatives. An updated bibliographic search was conducted in various databases with the purpose of describing the ocular alterations reported in the literature which have been caused by the virus as well as the potential ocular effects of the medications used. The incidence of conjunctivitis in patients testing positive for COVID-19 is often low. Although there is evidence of transmission via ocular secretion, no consensus has been achieved about the pathogenic mechanism employed. Justification is provided for the use of ocular protection equipment, particularly by the personnel who should be close to the patients' faces while doing their work. Vertical transmission from mothers to their babies has not been demonstrated, and there is no evidence of ophthalmic disorders in the latter. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are antiviral medications which would only cause ocular toxicity at high doses and lengthy courses. It is proposed to perform complete ophthalmological examination of patients upon recovery from the disease and conduct further studies to shed light on current points of debate(AU)

The Prevalence of Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses, and Acanthamoeba From 3,004 Cases of Keratitis, Endophthalmitis, and Conjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: The definitive identification of ocular pathogens optimizes effective treatment. Although the types of ocular pathogens are known; there is less definitive information on the prevalence of causative infections including viruses, fungi, and protozoa, which is the focus of this retrospective laboratory review. METHODS: Data used for laboratory certification were reviewed for the detection of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, from patients with infectious keratitis, endophthalmitis, and conjunctivitis. The main outcome parameter was laboratory-positive ocular infection. RESULTS: The distribution of infectious agents for keratitis (n=1,387) (2004-2018) was bacteria 72.1% (Staphylococcus aureus 20.3%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18%, Streptococcus spp. 8.5%, other gram-positives 12.4%, and other gram-negatives 12.9%), Herpes simplex virus 16%, fungi 6.7%, and Acanthamoeba 5.2%. For endophthalmitis, (n=770) (1993-2018), the bacterial distribution was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus 54%, Streptococcus spp. 21%, S. aureus 10%, other gram-positives 8%, and gram-negatives 7%. The distribution for conjunctivitis (n=847) (2004-2018) was Adenovirus 34%, S. aureus 25.5%, Streptococcus pneumoniae 9%, Haemophilus 9%, other gram-negatives 8.8%, other gram-positives 6%, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus 4.5% and Chlamydia 3.2%. CONCLUSION: An updated monitoring of ocular pathogens creates an awareness of the different infectious etiologies and the importance of laboratory studies. This information can determine treatment needs for infectious ocular diseases.

Ocular Sporotrichosis: 26 Cases with Bulbar Involvement in a Hyperendemic Area of Zoonotic Transmission.

PURPOSE: To describe 26 cases of bulbar conjunctival sporotrichosis. METHODS: Review of clinical records of patients with bulbar conjunctivitis due to culture-proven Sporothrix spp. infection, in Rio de Janeiro, from 2007 to 2017. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were identified. Median age was 25 years. Adults were more affected (53.8%), followed by adolescents (26.9%). There was a predominance of women (73.1%). Twenty-four patients (96%) reported contact with cats with sporotrichosis. Twenty-one patients (80.8%) presented a primary ocular sporotrichosis. Five patients presented associated eyelid lesions, and 21 (80.8%) tarsal conjunctivitis. Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome was observed in 17 (81%) patients. Eight patients (36.4%) reported the use of steroid drops before diagnosis was made. All patients but one were treated with oral itraconazole. Twenty-three patients (88.5%) were completely cured and three (11.5%) were lost to follow-up. Eight patients (34.8%) developed ocular sequelae. CONCLUSION: Bulbar conjunctivitis is an important clinical presentation of ocular sporotrichosis. It can lead to ocular sequelae. Sporotrichosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ophthalmic external diseases, especially in patients with cat contact history.

Epidemiologia da conjuntivite no departamento de emergência de um hospital de referência em Goiânia / Epidemiology of conjunctivitis in the emergency department of a reference hospital in Goiânia

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as características das urgências oftalmológicas atendidas no Pronto Socorro do Instituto de Olhos de Goiânia, com destaque à conjuntivite infecciosa, morbidade de maior incidência neste Serviço. Visa ainda delinear as principais etiologias encontradas dentre as conjuntivites infecciosas e compará-las às encontradas em diversos outros serviços de referência em Oftalmologia, norteando, assim, futuros diagnósticos e tratamentos das patologias infecciosas oculares. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo, com 783 pacientes atendidos na emergência oftalmológica do Instituto de Olhos de Goiânia, no período de primeiro de maio a 03 de setembro de 2017. Os dados foram coletados por meio de protocolos baseados nos prontuários físicos da emergência oftalmológica do hospital. Resultados: Observou-se que, quanto às causas diagnósticas, a principal foi a conjuntivite aguda, seguida, em ordem decrescente de incidência, por hordéolo e corpo estranho em superfície ocular, com porcentagens, respectivamente, de 10,98% e 9,96%. Dentre os 783 pacientes admitidos na emergência neste período, 302 foram diagnosticados com conjuntivite, representando uma porcentagem de 38,56% da totalidade dos atendimentos. Dentre essas, 226 foram diagnosticados como sendo de etiologia bacteriana e 38 de etiologia viral. Os números absolutos nos levam a uma porcentagem de 74,8% de conjuntivite bacteriana. Conclusão: A conjuntivite infecciosa representa uma porcentagem substancial dentre as patologias admitidas nos serviços de urgência oftalmológica em todo o mundo. No presente estudo houve ainda prevalência da conjuntivite bacteriana, bem como uma tendência irrefutável à instituição precoce de antibioticoterapia tópica. A alta prevalência desta comorbidade e a dificuldade no diagnóstico clínico da etiologia da infecção reitera a necessidade de realização de maiores estudos na área, a fim de otimizar o diagnóstico e a terapêutica da conjuntivite infecciosa.

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the epidemiology of ocular emergencies in a Reference Ophthalmological Hospital in Goiânia, with emphasis on acute infectious conjunctivitis, morbidity with a higher incidence in this Service. It aims to delineate the main etiologies found among infectious conjunctivitis and to compare them with those found in several others Ophthalmology reference services, thus guiding future diagnoses and treatments of ocular infectious diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted with 783 patients seen at the ophtalmological emergency of the Goiânia Institute of Eyes from May 1 to September 3, 2017. Data were collected through protocols based on physical charts of the ophthalmologic emergency of the hospital. Results: The most common ocular emergencies were acute conjunctivitis, followed in decreasing order of incidence by hordeolum and foreign body on ocular surface, with percentages, respectively, of 10.98% and 9.96%, respectively. Among the 783 patients admitted to the emergency room in this period, 302 were diagnosed with conjunctivitis, representing a percentage of 38.56% of the total number of visits. Of these, 226 were diagnosed as having bacterial etiology (74.8%) and 38 (25.2%) as viral etiology. Conclusion: Infectious conjunctivitis represents a substantial percentage of the pathologies admitted to ophthalmological emergency services worldwide. In the present study there was also a prevalence of bacterial conjunctivitis, as well as an irrefutable tendency to the early institution of topical antibiotic therapy. The high prevalence of this comorbidity and the difficulty in the clinical diagnosis of the etiology of the infection reiterates the need for further studies in the area in order to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of infectious conjunctivitis.

Seasonal distribution of ocular conditions treated at the emergency room: a 1-year prospective study.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical characteristics and seasonal distribution of patients admitted to the ocular emergency department of a tertiary ophthalmology care center. METHODS: The study cohort includes 27,120 patients who were admitted to ocular emergency room between November 2013 and November 2014. The age, sex, reason for admission, diagnosis, and complete ocular examination reports were recorded for each patient. X-ray and ultrasonographic examinations were performed if necessary. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 32.83 ± 17.62 years (range, 0-95). The number of males was nearly two times the number of females, with 18,808 (69.4%) males and 8312 (30.6%) females. The diagnoses included viral conjunctivitis (7,859 patients; 29.0%), corneal foreign body (5,286 patients; 19.5%), bacterial conjunctivitis (3,892 patients; 14.4%), corneal abrasions (2,306 patients; 8.5%), and allergic conjunctivitis (1,433 patients; 5.3%) (Table 1). Other frequent diagnoses included subconjunctival hemorrhage, photo keratopathy, chemical eye injury, and penetrating and blunt eye injuries. Allergic conjunctivitis, ocular trauma, and corneal foreign body were more frequent in spring, whereas keratitis and chemical eye injury were more common in winter (chi-square test). The most common reasons for emergency room admission, in order of frequency, were viral conjunctivitis, corneal foreign body, bacterial conjunctivitis, and corneal abrasions. CONCLUSION: This study is the first long-term prospective study to evaluate the seasonal distribution and diagnosis of all adult and pediatric patients admitted to the emergency room for ocular conditions. The frequency of ophthalmological conditions seen in the emergency room may vary according to the season.

Seasonal distribution of ocular conditions treated at the emergency room: a 1-year prospective study / Distribuição sazonal e causas de admissão em pronto atendimento oftalmológico - um estudo prospectivo de 1 ano

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the clinical characteristics and seasonal distribution of patients admitted to the ocular emergency department of a tertiary ophthalmology care center. Methods: The study cohort includes 27,120 patients who were admitted to ocular emergency room between November 2013 and November 2014. The age, sex, reason for admission, diagnosis, and complete ocular examination reports were recorded for each patient. X-ray and ultrasonographic examinations were performed if necessary. Results: The mean patient age was 32.83 ± 17.62 years (range, 0-95). The number of males was nearly two times the number of females, with 18,808 (69.4%) males and 8312 (30.6%) females. The diagnoses included viral conjunctivitis (7,859 patients; 29.0%), corneal foreign body (5,286 patients; 19.5%), bacterial conjunctivitis (3,892 patients; 14.4%), corneal abrasions (2,306 patients; 8.5%), and allergic conjunctivitis (1,433 patients; 5.3%) (Table 1). Other frequent diagnoses included subconjunctival hemorrhage, photo keratopathy, chemical eye injury, and penetrating and blunt eye injuries. Allergic conjunctivitis, ocular trauma, and corneal foreign body were more frequent in spring, whereas keratitis and chemical eye injury were more common in winter (chi-square test). The most common reasons for emergency room admission, in order of frequency, were viral conjunctivitis, corneal foreign body, bacterial conjunctivitis, and corneal abrasions. Conclusion: This study is the first long-term prospective study to evaluate the seasonal distribution and diagnosis of all adult and pediatric patients admitted to the emergency room for ocular conditions. The frequency of ophthalmological conditions seen in the emergency room may vary according to the season.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar as características clínicas e a distribuição sazonal dos pacientes admitidos no departamento de emergências oculares de um centro terciário de cuidados oftalmológicos. Métodos: Um total de 27.120 pacientes, admitidos no pronto atendimento ocular entre novembro de 2013 e novembro de 2014, foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo. Idade, gênero, causa da admissão, diagnóstico e relatórios completos dos exames oculares dos pacientes foram registrados e exames de raios X e de ultrassonografia foram realizados quando necessários. Resultados: A idade média do paciente foi de 32,83 ± 17,62 anos (intervalo, 0-95). O número de homens era quase duas vezes maior que o número de mulheres, com 18.808 (69,4%) do sexo masculino e 8.312 (30,6%) do sexo feminino. Os diagnósticos incluíram conjuntivite viral (7.859 pacientes, 29,0%), corpo estranho corneano (5.286 pacientes, 19,5%), conjuntivite bacteriana (3.892 pacientes, 14,4%), abrasões corneanas (2.306 pacientes, 8,5%) e conjuntivite alérgica (1.433 pacientes, 5,3%) (Tabela 1). Outros diagnósticos freqüentes incluíram hemorragia subconjuntival, queratopatia fotográfica, lesões oculares químicas e lesões oculares penetrantes e contundentes. A conjuntivite alérgica, o trauma ocular e o corpo estranho da córnea foram mais frequentes na primavera, enquanto que a queratite e lesões oculares químicas foram mais comuns no inverno (teste qui-quadrado). Os motivos mais comuns para a admissão na sala de emergência, em ordem de frequência, foram conjuntivite viral, corpo estranho da córnea, conjuntivite bacteriana e abrasões da córnea. Conclusão: Este é o primeiro estudo prospectivo de longa duração avaliando as causas e a distribuição sazonal de todos os casos de admissão em um pronto atendimento oftalmológico para pacientes em idade adulta ou pediátrica. A frequência das causas de encaminhamento ao pronto atendimento pode variar em função da estação do ano.

Antibiotic Use in Early Life, Rural Residence, and Allergic Diseases in Argentinean Children.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about differential effects of antibiotic use on allergic diseases in rural versus urban environments. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether area of residence in the first year of life modifies the relation between antibiotic use in early life and allergic diseases during childhood. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of allergic diseases in 1517 children (ages 6-7 years) attending 101 schools in urban and rural areas of San Francisco (Córdoba, Argentina). Current asthma, wheeze, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were defined on the basis of responses to a validated questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Multivariate logistic regression was used for the analysis of antibiotic use and allergic diseases. RESULTS: After adjustment for paracetamol use, bronchiolitis, and other covariates, antibiotic use in the first year of life was associated with increased odds of current wheeze (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.6) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7). After stratification by area of residence, antibiotic use was associated with current wheeze (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5-4.0) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3-3.4) among children who lived in an urban area in their first year of life, but not among those who lived in a rural area in their first year of life. CONCLUSIONS: Early-life antibiotic use is associated with current wheeze and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in Argentinean children who lived in urban areas during their first year of life. Exposure to a rural environment early in life may protect against the adverse effects of antibiotics on atopic diseases in children.

Chlamydia felis: Lack of association between clinical signs and the presence of the cryptic plasmid.

Chlamydia felis is an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen that infects cats, causing severe conjunctivitis associated with upper respiratory tract disease (URTD). In the present study, 186 cats from three non-commercial catteries in São Paulo, SP, Brazil were evaluated. The detection of Chlamydia felis was performed by PCR. The clinical severity was scored from 1 to 4, with a score of 4 as the most severe manifestation. The total occurrence of C. felis was of 18.82% (35/186) of cats overall, but notably, 58.06% (18/31) of infected cats originated from a single cattery. All animals harboring C. felis had URTD clinical signs and higher scores (3 and 4). In addition, C. felis occurrence was associated with the presence of cryptic plasmid. However, the virulence and clinical severity were not correlated.

Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes atendidos com queixa de olho vermelho na Fundação Hilton Rocha, MG, Brazil / Epidemiological profile of patients with red eye complain treated at Fundação Hilton Rocha, MG, Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar os fatores epidemiológicos e analisar as principais causas etiológicas dos pacientes atendidos com queixa de olho vermelho no setor de urgência e emergência de um hospital oftalmológico de ensino do estado de Minas Gerais. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de prevalência observacional, analítico com amostra não probabilística formado pelos pacientes que compareceram no setor de urgência da Fundação Hilton Rocha nos meses de janeiro a abril de 2014 (n=1140). Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: gênero, idade, raça, profissão, escolaridade, renda, meio de transporte, tempo decorrido entre o sintoma inicial e o primeiro atendimento, dia da semana, presença de baixa da acuidade visual e diagnóstico. Resultados: A amostra apresentou 390 pacientes com queixa de olho vermelho, 57,4% (n=224) eram do sexo feminino, a idade variou entre 3 e 97 anos, sendo a média de 43,7 anos. A maioria dos pacientes (87,6%, n=341) procurou o serviço em até 14 dias do início dos sintomas e apenas 75 indivíduos (19,4%) apresentavam baixa acuidade visual. As classes econômicas inferiores (classes D e E) são predominantes entre os atendidos. A principal causa da queixa de olho vermelho foi conjuntivite e blefaroconjuntivite infecciosas (32,6%, n=127). Conclusão: A conjuntivite infecciosa foi a morbidade de maior incidência. A Fundação Hilton Rocha desempenha um papel importante no atendimento à urgência oftalmológica da rede pública de Minas Gerais, sendo importante identificar as principais causas de atendimento e ampliar os estudos epidemiológicos e sociais, a fim de melhorar o acesso da população às urgências oftalmológicas e nos dar subsídios para campanhas de orientação, voltadas principalmente para as classes sociais menos favorecidas.

ABSTRACT Objective: Determining the epidemiological factors and analyzing the main etiological causes of the patients treated with red-eye complaint at the urgency and emergency sector of the ophthalmological hospital in the state of Minas Gerais. Methods: A prevalence observational analytical study was performed with a non-probabilistic sample formed by patients who visited the emergency room of the Fundação Hilton Rocha Hospital from january to april 2014 (n=1140). The following variables investigated were: gender, age, race, profession, education, income, means of transportation, time elapsed between the first symptom and the first visit, day of the week, low visual acuity symptom, diagnosis and treatment. Results: Out of the sample of 390 patients with red eye complaint, 57.4 % (n= 224) were female and the age ranged from 3 to 97, with an average of 43.7 years of age. The majority of patients, 87.6% (n= 341) sought the service up to 14 days after the onset of symptoms, only 75 individuals (19.4 %) had low visual acuity. The lower economic classes (classes D and E) are prevalent among patients. The main cause of red eye complain was conjunctivitis and infectious blepharoconjunctivitis 32.6% (n= 127). Conclusion: Infectious conjunctivitis was the morbidity with the highest incidence. The Fundação Hilton Rocha plays an important role in providing urgent ophthalmological care in the public health network in Minas Gerais. It is important to identify the most frequent causes of medical service for ocular diseases and expand the epidemiological and social studies in order to improve people’s access to ophthalmic emergencies and give us subsidies for guidance campaigns, focused mainly on the lower social classes.

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in ocular infections / Prevalência e suscetibilidade antibiótica de Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina em infecções oculares

PURPOSE: To study the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among S. aureus ocular infections in a tertiary health center in Brazil and compare antibiotic susceptibility patterns between MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates. METHODS: Electronic records from the ocular microbiology laboratory of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo were retrospectively reviewed. During a 10-year period (between January 2000 and December 2009) all conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis cases with a positive culture for S. aureus were identified. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-six S. aureus isolates were identified; of those, 56 (9.9%) were resistant to methicillin. Throughout the 10-year period, Staphylococcus aureus showed a significant increasing trend from 7.55% to 16.18% among overall S. aurues infections (p=0.001) and from 3.7% to 13.16% in conjunctivitis (p=0.001). Conversely, we did not observe the same trend among those with keratitis (p=0.38). Staphylococcus aureus isolates showed higher resistance rates to tobramycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin when compared with S. aureus isolates (p< 0.001). All cases were susceptible to vancomycin. CONCLUSION: We observed an increasing trend in the overall prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus ocular infections and statistically significant higher resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics compared to Staphylococcus aureus. Our data supports the need for constant bacterial surveillance and should be taken into consideration before initiating empiric treatment of ocular infections.

OBJETIVO: Estudar a prevalência do Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina nas infecções oculares causadas por S. aureus em um centro de saúde terciário no Brasil e comparar o perfil de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana entre as cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e S. aureus susceptível à meticilina MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos arquivos do laboratório de microbiologia ocular da Universidade Federal de São Paulo e selecionados todos os casos de conjuntivite, ceratite e endoftalmite com cultivo positivo para S. aureus, durante um período de 10 anos (entre janeiro de 2000 e dezembro de 2009). Foi avaliada a prevalência de Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e comparado o perfil de susceptibilidade antimicrobiano dos Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina e S. aureus susceptível à meticilina. RESULTADOS: Quinhentos e sessenta e seis isolados de S. aureus foram identificados. Desses, 56 (9,9%) apresentaram resistência à meticilina. Durante o período de 10 anos estudado, Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina mostrou uma tendência significante de aumento de 7,6% para 16,2% entre as infecções oculares causadas por S. aureus em geral (p=0,001) e de 3,7% para 13,2% nas conjuntivites (p=0,001). A mesma tendência não foi observada entre as amostras de ceratite (p=0,38). Os isolados de Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina mostraram maiores taxas de resistência à tobramicina, gentamicina, ciprofloxacino, gatifloxacino e moxifloxacino em comparação com os isolados de S. aureus susceptível à meticilina (p<0,001). Todos os casos foram susceptíveis à vancomicina. CONCLUSÃO:Foi observada uma tendência de aumento na prevalência do Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina nas infecções oculares causadas por S. aureus, bem como taxas de resistência significantemente maiores aos antibióticos comumente utilizados na prática oftalmológica. Nossos dados alertam para a necessidade de constante vigilância de resistência bacteriana a antimicrobianos e devem ser considerados na eleição do tratamento empírico das infecções oculares.

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in ocular infections.

PURPOSE: To study the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among S. aureus ocular infections in a tertiary health center in Brazil and compare antibiotic susceptibility patterns between MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates. METHODS: Electronic records from the ocular microbiology laboratory of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo were retrospectively reviewed. During a 10-year period (between January 2000 and December 2009) all conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis cases with a positive culture for S. aureus were identified. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-six S. aureus isolates were identified; of those, 56 (9.9%) were resistant to methicillin. Throughout the 10-year period, Staphylococcus aureus showed a significant increasing trend from 7.55% to 16.18% among overall S. aurues infections (p=0.001) and from 3.7% to 13.16% in conjunctivitis (p=0.001). Conversely, we did not observe the same trend among those with keratitis (p=0.38). Staphylococcus aureus isolates showed higher resistance rates to tobramycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin when compared with S. aureus isolates (p< 0.001). All cases were susceptible to vancomycin. CONCLUSION: We observed an increasing trend in the overall prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus ocular infections and statistically significant higher resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics compared to Staphylococcus aureus. Our data supports the need for constant bacterial surveillance and should be taken into consideration before initiating empiric treatment of ocular infections.

Is allergic rhinitis a trivial disease?

BACKGROUND: Asthma and rhinitis often coexist, which potentially increases the disease severity and can negatively impact a patients' quality of life. However, there are few reports based on data obtained from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood examining asthma severity in combination with rhinitisrelated symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate whether current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis are associated with the development of asthma or its increasing severity in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: The prevalence of current asthma was correlated with the prevalence of current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis in adolescents (13 to 14 year olds) from 16 Brazilian centers (based on Spearman's rank correlation index). The influence of current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis on asthma presentation was also evaluated using the chi-squared test and was expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of current asthma and current rhinitis (rs = 0.82; 95%CI: 0.60-0.93, p< 0.0001) and between the prevalence of current asthma and current rhinoconjunctivitis (rs = 0.75; 95%CI: 0.47-0.89, p < 0.0001). Current rhinitis was associated with a significantly increased risk of current asthma and of more severe asthma. Similar results were observed for current rhinoconjunctivitis. CONCLUSION: In this epidemiologic study of Brazilian adolescents, the presence of current rhinitis and current rhinoconjunctivitis was associated with a high risk of developing asthma and increased asthma severity. The mutual evaluation of rhinitis and asthma is necessary to establish an adequate treatment plan.