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Microbial keratitis in patients with down syndrome: a retrospective study
Vishal Jhanji1, Sonia Moorthy, Rasik B Vajpayee
1Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital; and Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Cornea
|January 23, 2009
Summary
Microbial keratitis in Down syndrome patients often involves eyelid diseases and ocular atopy. Most cases require surgical intervention due to the failure of medical therapy alone.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Down syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with various health complications.
- Microbial keratitis is a serious eye infection that can lead to vision loss.
- Patients with Down syndrome may have an increased risk of ocular infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of microbial keratitis in individuals with Down syndrome.
- To determine the common causes and outcomes of microbial keratitis in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review was conducted.
- Data from 18 patients with Down syndrome and microbial keratitis were analyzed.
- Clinical presentation, microbiological findings, and treatment outcomes were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The most frequent associated ocular conditions were eyelid diseases (94%) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (44%).
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen identified in positive cultures (28%).
- Surgical intervention was necessary in 72% of cases, including keratoplasty, corneal gluing, and tarsorrhaphy.
Conclusions:
- Microbial keratitis in Down syndrome is frequently linked to eyelid abnormalities and ocular atopy.
- Medical therapy alone is often insufficient, necessitating surgical management in the majority of patients.
- This study highlights the importance of managing associated ocular conditions in Down syndrome patients to prevent or treat microbial keratitis.
