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Published on: May 1, 2021
Ocular surface bacterial colonisation in sedated intensive care unit patients
E K Mela1, E G Drimtzias, M K Christofidou
1Department of Ophthalmology, Microbiology and Anesthesiology, Patras University Hospital, Rion, Patras, Greece.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|March 3, 2010
Summary
Topical antibiotic prophylaxis effectively prevented corneal infections in sedated intensive care unit patients by addressing ocular surface bacterial colonization. Early identification and treatment are key to preventing infectious keratitis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Intensive Care Medicine
Background:
- Sedated patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are at risk for ocular surface bacterial colonization.
- Corneal infections can be a serious complication in these vulnerable patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time-dependent bacterial colonization of the ocular surface in sedated ICU patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing corneal infections.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month study included 134 sedated, mechanically ventilated patients (excluding those with <7 days hospitalization or pre-existing ocular pathology).
- Daily corneal examinations and daily conjunctival sac cultures were performed until sedation ended.
- Bacterial isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing were conducted using standard laboratory techniques.
Main Results:
- Analysis included 70 patients with sedation durations from 7 to 122 days.
- Ocular surface bacterial colonization occurred in 77% of patients within 7-42 days; multiple bacteria were isolated in prolonged sedation cases.
- Prevalent isolates included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Conclusions:
- Ocular surface colonization by various bacteria is common in long-term sedated patients and linked to hospitalization duration.
- Infectious keratitis was successfully prevented in all study participants.
- Early identification of ocular surface bacterial colonization and prompt topical antibiotic prophylaxis are crucial for preventing corneal infections in this patient group.
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