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Incidence of bacterial, fungal keratitis low after keratoprosthesis
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SAN DIEGO — The incidence of infectious keratitis after keratoprosthesis may be relatively low, with about half of all cases bacterial in origin and half fungal, according to a study presented here.
The retrospective, single-surgeon, consecutive case series assessed 93 eyes that underwent Boston K-Pro type 1 keratoprosthesis.
"Infectious keratitis develops, at least in my experience, in about 10% of eyes following K-Pro implantation," Anthony J. Aldave, MD, said in a presentation at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.
Eleven focal corneal infiltrate cases occurred in 9 eyes: 4 fungal, 4 bacterial and 3 culture-negative. Persistent epithelial defect formation was linked to an increased risk.
"Both bacterial and fungal keratitis typically present as an infiltrate underneath the edge of the anterior plate," Dr. Aldave said.
Contact lens wear and topical vancomycin were not found to be risk factors.
Cultures must be collected, Dr. Aldave said, and treatment should include topical antibiotics and antifungal therapy.
- Disclosure: No products or companies are mentioned that would require financial disclosure.