Bleb-related ocular infection in children after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C

The purpose of the study is to report the clinical course of bleb-related ocular infection in children after trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C.

The study design was a retrospective review of all patients with a diagnosis of bleb-related ocular infection after trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C.

Three children were identified in whom late postoperative bleb-related ocular infection developed.

Treatment consisted of vitreous biopsy with intravitreous antibiotic and corticosteroid injection and/or bleb culture with topical and intravenous antibiotic administration.

Visual acuity and intraocular pressure were measured.

Bleb-related ocular infection developed an average of 16.7 +/- 10.9 months after trabeculectomy (range, 4-23 months). The mean age at presentation was 7.0 +/- 2.6 years (range, 4-10 years). Vitreous cultures were positive for staphylococci in two cases. A bleb culture from the third case also grew staphylococcus. All of the children recovered their initial vision after treatment of infection. However, one lost six lines of vision after a subsequent retinal detachment. Additional glaucoma surgery was required in one patient.

Late bleb-related ocular infection may occur in children after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and is characterized by abrupt onset, bleb infiltration, and rapid progression. Despite early preservation of vision after treatment of infection, significant late visual loss can occur.