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Original Article
Haemophilus influenzae associated scleritis
  1. Scott O Sykesb,
  2. Christopher Riemannc,
  3. Carmen I Santosd,
  4. David M Meislerc,
  5. Careen Y Lowderc,
  6. John P Whitchera,b,
  7. Emmett T Cunningham, Jra,b
  1. aThe Francis I Proctor Foundation, bDepartment of Ophthalmology, UCSF, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, cDepartment of Ophthalmology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, dDepartment of Ophthalmology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR 00927
  1. Dr Emmett T Cunningham Jr, The Pearl and Samuel J Kimura Ocular Immunology Laboratory, The Francis I Proctor Foundation, UCSF, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143-0944, USA.

Abstract

AIMS To describe the clinical course and treatment of Haemophilus influenzae associated scleritis.

METHODS Retrospective case series.

RESULTS Three patients developed scleritis associated with ocularH influenzae infection. Past medical history, review of systems, and laboratory testing for underlying collagen vascular disorders were negative in two patients. One patient had arthritis associated with an antinuclear antibody titre of 1:160 and a Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 83 mm in the first hour. Each patient had ocular surgery more than 6 months before developing scleritis. Two had cataract extraction and one had strabismus surgery. Nodular abscesses associated with areas of scleral necrosis were present in each case. Culture of these abscesses revealed H influenzae in all patients. Treatments included topical, subconjunctival, and systemic antibiotics. Scleral inflammation resolved and visual acuity improved in each case.

CONCLUSION H influenzae infection may be associated with scleritis. Accurate diagnosis and treatment may preserve ocular integrity and good visual acuity.

  • necrosis
  • scleritis
  • Haemophilus influenzae

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.83.4.410

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