Clinical and Microbiological Manifestations of Endogenous Endophthalmitis in Tertiary Care Hospital, Northern Thailand.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the characteristics, primary sources, pathogens, risk factors, and visual outcomes in patients with endogenous endophthalmitis (EE). METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 61 consecutive patients with EE (74 affected eyes) and reported on prevalence, clinical courses, prognostic factors and visual outcomes. RESULTS: Prevalence of EE was 5% of all patients with endophthalmitis. Among culture-positive cases (89%), Gram-positive species dominating (69%) followed by Gram-negative with 22% and fungal species with 9%. Regarding to visual outcomes, the mean visual acuity (VA, ETDRS letters) at baseline, 3-months, 6-months and 1-year follow-up was 0.85, 9, 8 and 9, respectively. Initial VA of hand movement or better (P 0.007) and bilateral infection (P 0.004) were associated with better visual outcome. CONCLUSION: The prognosis for EE remained poor despite aggressive and immediate treatment. The high suspicion, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important factors that might lead to the better outcome.