The association between developmental delay and endophthalmitis after pediatric cataract surgery using an insurance...

To evaluate risk factors for postoperative endophthalmitis in pediatric cataract surgery based on an analysis of a large insurance claims database.

We retrospectively analyzed pediatric (0-18 years) cataract surgeries from the IBM MarketScan Research Database from 2004 to 2017. Suspect cases of endophthalmitis were identified by International Classification of Diseases codes; confirmed cases, by Current Procedural Terminology codes within 7 days of diagnosis. Odds ratios (OR) were assessed for age, sex, aphakia, concomitant vitrectomy, open-globe injury, uveitis, lens displacement, developmental delay, trisomy 21, and immunocompromised status.

Among 5,304 eyes of 6,835 patients, the following were factors significantly associated with pediatric cataract surgery-related suspect endophthalmitis: open-globe injury (OR = 7.75; 95% CI, 3.32-18.09; P < 0.001), ocular trauma (OR = 3.64; 95% CI, 1.83-7.24; P < 0.001), aphakia (OR = 2.33, CI 1.15-4.69, P = 0.018), and developmental delay (OR = 4.24, 95% CI, 1.00-18.02; P = 0.05). With univariate analysis of confirmed endophthalmitis cases, the following were identified as statistically significant: open-globe injury (OR = 8.1; 95% CI, 2.64-24.87; P < 0.001), ocular trauma (OR = 4.34, CI 1.72-10.97; P = 0.002), subluxated or dislocated lens (OR = 3.62; 95% CI, 1.04-12.57; P = 0.043), aphakia (OR = 2.86; 95% CI, 1.13-7.26; P = 0.027), and developmental delay (OR = 8.24; 95% CI, 1.86-36.44; P = 0.005). Age, sex, concomitant vitrectomy, and uveitis were not associated with increased risk of endophthalmitis.

Developmental delay may be a risk factor for postoperative endophthalmitis in pediatric cataract surgery. Surgeons can assess preoperative risk by performing a detailed medical and social history for challenges particular to this population that may complicate the postoperative course.