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Outcome of endophthalmitis can be predicted with ERG
NAGOYA, Japan — A single-flash electroretinogram can help predict the visual outcome of endophthalmitis after IOL implantation and the virulence of the causative organism, a study here found.
Combined findings of an electroretinogram (ERG) b-wave:a-wave ratio of less than 1.0 and onset of endophthalmitis within 1 week of IOL implantation surgery may indicate a highly virulent causative organism and poor visual prognosis, according to Naoichi Horio, MD, and colleagues here at Nagoya University School of Medicine.
Previous animal studies have shown that organisms detected in eyes with a b-wave:a-wave ratio of less than 1.0 "cause irreversible change in the retina within a few days," Dr. Horio said.
In patients with opacified media, the ERG can provide information on retinal function, he added. It is not influenced by media opacity in severely inflamed eyes, he said.
Dr. Horio reviewed the records of 16 eyes of 16 patients with endophthalmitis following IOL implantation. The original surgical procedure that led to the endophthalmitis was phacoemulsification following IOL implantation in 15 eyes and secondary IOL implantation in one eye.
Even in this small study, results were consistent with animal studies that have described a rapid decrease in b-wave amplitude in endophthalmitis with highly virulent organisms, Dr. Horio said.
More details of the study are in the print version of the December issue of Ocular Surgery News Europe/Asia-Pacific Edition.