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Childhood microbial keratitis

Abdullah G Al Otaibi1, Khalid Allam, Al Johara Damri

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Oman Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric microbial keratitis, often caused by trauma, requires prompt evaluation and treatment. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable visual outcomes in children.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Microbial keratitis is a serious eye infection that can lead to vision loss.
  • Pediatric cases present unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
  • Understanding risk factors and causative agents is vital for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors associated with pediatric microbial keratitis.
  • To describe the clinical presentation, microbial spectrum, and treatment outcomes.
  • To evaluate visual prognosis in children diagnosed with microbial keratitis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for children (≤16 years) with microbial keratitis.
  • Data collected included demographics, predisposing factors, clinical course, and microbial cultures.
  • Analysis of treatment modalities and visual outcomes at a tertiary referral eye hospital.

Main Results:

  • Ocular trauma was the leading predisposing factor (39.7%) in 68 pediatric cases.
  • Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, were the most common isolates.
  • 50% of cases had positive microbial cultures, with 66.2% achieving a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt and comprehensive management is essential for pediatric microbial keratitis.
  • Identifying predisposing factors and causative organisms aids in successful treatment.
  • Ocular trauma is a significant risk factor, emphasizing the need for preventative measures.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bacteriachildrenkeratitistrauma

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