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Clinical features, microbiological profiles and treatment outcome of lacrimal plug-related canaliculitis compared with those of primary canaliculitis
  1. Yu-Yun Huang1,
  2. Wei-Kuang Yu1,
  3. Chieh-Chih Tsai1,
  4. Shu-Ching Kao1,
  5. Hui-Chuan Kau2,
  6. Catherine Jui-Ling Liu1
  1. 1Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
  2. 2Department of Ophthalmology, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
  1. Correspondence to Dr Chieh-Chih Tsai, Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec.2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; cctsai{at}vghtpe.gov.tw

Abstract

Aims To compare the clinical features and treatment outcome between lacrimal plug-related canaliculitis and primary canaliculitis.

Methods Patients with plug-related canaliculitis and primary canaliculitis between 2007 and 2014 in a medical centre were collected. Charts were reviewed for clinical features, microbiological profiles, time lapse between plug insertion and symptom onset, type of plug and outcomes.

Results Of 76 eligible cases collected, 13 were plug-related canaliculitis and 63 were primary canaliculitis. The most common presenting symptom was discharge in both groups (85% and 79%, respectively). The average time interval from plug insertion to symptoms onset was 5.5 years. Most canaliculitis developed in women, especially for plug-related canaliculitis, when compared with primary canaliculitis (100% vs 65.1%; p=0.015). The most common isolated microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa in plug-related canaliculitis (46%) and Streptococcus in primary canaliculitis (28%), respectively. Isolation of Pseudomonas was significantly higher in plug-related canaliculitis than in primary canaliculitis (46% vs 12%; p=0.029). Most plug-related canaliculitis resolved after removal of plugs by canaliculotomy (12 cases, 93%). Most identified plug was SmartPlug (seven cases), followed by EaglePlug (two cases) and Herrick Lacrimal Plug (two cases). There was no recurrence in patients with plug-related canaliculitis, however, recurrence developed in seven patients (11%) with primary canaliculitis.

Conclusions In comparison with primary canaliculitis, plug-related canaliculitis appear to be more prevalent in women and show a different microbiological profile. Retrieval of infected plug by canaliculotomy and adequate antibiotics can achieve a good outcome. Long-term follow-up is required because canaliculitis may develop several years after plug insertion.

  • Lacrimal drainage
  • Microbiology
  • Tears
  • Infection

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