Efficacy of intravitreal ceftazidime in acute postoperative endophthalmitis.

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of intravitreal ceftazidime in acute postoperative endophthalmitis. STUDY DESIGN Quasi experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Ophthalmology Unit I, Eye Hospital, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hyderabad, from November 2004 to November 2006. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients of acute postoperative endophthalmitis were treated with intravitreal antibiotic ceftazidime. The inclusion criteria of the patients was the clinical diagnosis of acute postoperative endophthalmitis within 15 days of postoperative period with visual acuity better than or equal to hand movement close to face. After enrollment, vitreous tap was carried out in all cases followed by intravitreal ceftazidime injection. The outcome was measured in terms of clinical resolution of endophthalmitis and postresolution best corrected visual acuity. Mean of difference was tested by paired t-test. RESULTS Nineteen eyes (90.5%) responded to intravitreal ceftazidime therapy alone, while an additional pars plana vitrectomy was required in one eye. Sixteen eyes (84%) retained a visual acuity of 6/60 or better at 3 months after the initiation of the therapy (p<0.001). Retinal detachment developed in one eye receiving intravitreal therapy. CONCLUSION Ceftazidime was effective as intravitreal therapy for the management of acute postoperative endophthalmitis.