Clinical and pathogenic characteristics of infectious endophthalmitis in children: A retrospective analysis

Infective endophthalmitis is an ophthalmic infection that in severe cases can cause complete loss of vision. In children, the defense against infection is low and eye tissue is not fully developed, leading to increased vulnerability to endophthalmitis. Children may be unable to understand the symptoms; thus, developing a method for prevention and treatment of this disease in children is important. Therefore, we analyzed the clinical and pathogenic characteristics of infectious endophthalmitis in children and provided evidence for clinical treatment. The clinical data of 78 children (78 eyes) with infectious endophthalmitis were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics, pathogen distribution, drug sensitivity, clinical medication, and treatments were summarized and analyzed. In total, 74 (94.87%) had ocular infections caused by trauma and 75 (96.15%) were from rural townships. A total of 108 sterile specimens were examined, with a positive detection rate of 37.04%. The sensitivity rates of Gram-positive cocci and bacilli to vancomycin were 100%. The sensitivity rates of Gram-negative bacilli to ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin were 100%. Of the 78 patients, 53 (67.95%) received intravitreal injection and 54 (69.23%) underwent vitrectomy. Trauma is the main factor leading to infectious endophthalmitis in children, wherein Gram-positive bacteria are the most common pathogens. Thus, a timely understanding of the pathogen and drug sensitivity is needed. Intravitreal injection and vitrectomy are effective treatments.