Review of Clinical Features, Microbiological Spectrum, and Treatment Outcomes of Endogenous Endophthalmitis over an 8-Year Period

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical features, microbiological spectrum, and treatment outcomes of endogenous endophthalmitis. Methods. Retrospective review of consecutive cases with infective endogenous endophthalmitis presenting from 2000 to 2007. The main outcome measure was the visual outcome at the latest follow-up visit. Other outcome measures included microbiological investigations, anatomical and clinical outcomes. Results. 22 eyes of 21 patients were included, and the mean follow-up duration was 2.7 years. Eyes with fungal endogenous endophthalmitis were more likely to have visual acuity of finger counting or better at presentation compared with those with bacterial endogenous endophthalmitis (odds ratio = 15.0, P = 0.013). Gram-negative microorganisms accounted for 50% of infections, while fungal and gram-positive organisms accounted for 27.3% and 22.7%, respectively. Despite treatment, the visual outcome was poor in general as 10 (45.5%) eyes had no light perception at the latest follow-up visit and 6 (27.3%) eyes required enucleation or evisceration. Contrary to previous studies, fungal endogenous endophthalmitis did not appear to have better visual outcome compared with bacterial endogenous endophthalmitis. Conclusion. Gram-negative microorganisms were the main causative pathogens of endogenous endophthalmitis in Hong Kong. The visual prognosis of endogenous endophthalmitis is generally poor as almost 50% of eyes were blind despite treatment.