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Endogenous Candida endophthalmitis after induced abortion
1Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, National Yang Ming University, Taiwan, Republic of China. sjchen@vghtpe.gov.tw
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 30, 1998
Summary
Surgically induced abortion can lead to endogenous Candida endophthalmitis in young women. Systemic corticosteroid use may heighten this risk, impacting vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis is a rare but serious intraocular infection.
- Surgically induced abortion is a common gynecological procedure.
Observation:
- Two young, healthy women developed Candida endophthalmitis following surgically induced abortion.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical findings, vaginal cultures, and vitreous culture in one case.
Findings:
- Treatment involved vitrectomy and intravitreal amphotericin B.
- Visual outcomes varied; one patient achieved 20/200, while another experienced recurrent retinal detachment and poor vision, potentially linked to prior corticosteroid use.
Implications:
- Surgically induced abortion may be an underrecognized risk factor for endogenous Candida endophthalmitis.
- Caution is advised regarding systemic corticosteroid use in pregnant women undergoing abortion due to potential increased risk of endophthalmitis.