Multistate outbreak of toxic anterior segment syndrome, 2005

TitleMultistate outbreak of toxic anterior segment syndrome, 2005
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsKutty PK, Forster TS, Wood-Koob C, Thayer N, Nelson RB, Berke SJ, Pontacolone L, Beardsley TL, Edelhauser HF, Arduino MJ, Mamalis N, Srinivasan A
JournalJ Cataract Refract Surg
Volume34
Issue4
Pagination585 - 90
Date PublishedApr
ISSN0886-3350 (Print) 0886-3350 (Linking)
Accession Number18361979
Keywords*Acetates, *Disease Outbreaks, *Drug Contamination, *Minerals, *Sodium Chloride, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anterior Eye Segment / *pathology, Drug Combinations, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Shock, Septic / diagnosis / *epidemiology / etiology, Syndrome, United States / epidemiology, Uveitis, Anterior / diagnosis / *epidemiology / etiology, Vision Disorders / diagnosis / epidemiology / etiology
Abstract

PURPOSE: To present the findings of an outbreak of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS). SETTING: Six states, 7 ophthalmology surgical centers, United States. METHODS: Cases were identified through electronic communication networks and via reports to a national TASS referral center. Information on the procedure, details of instrument reprocessing, and products used during cataract surgery were also collected. Medications used during the procedures were tested for endotoxin using a kinetic assay. RESULTS: The search identified 112 case patients (median age 74 years) from 7 centers from July 19, 2005, through November 28, 2005. Common presenting clinical features included blurred vision (60%), anterior segment inflammation (49%), and cell deposition (56%). Of the patients, 100 (89%) had been exposed to a single brand of balanced salt solution manufactured by Cytosol Laboratories and distributed by Advanced Medical Optics as AMO Endosol. Two patients continued to have residual symptoms. There were no reports of significant breaches in sterile technique or instrument reprocessing. Of 14 balanced salt solution lots, 5 (35%) had levels exceeding the endotoxin limit (0.5 EU/mL). Based on these findings, the balanced salt solution product was withdrawn, resulting in a termination of the outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first known report of an outbreak of TASS caused by intrinsic contamination of a product with endotoxin. Ophthalmologists and epidemiologists should be aware of TASS and its common causes. To facilitate investigations of adverse outcomes such as TASS, those performing cataract surgeries should document the type and lot numbers of products used intraoperatively.

URLinternal-pdf://Kutty -multistate outbreak of TASS-3165474560/Kutty -multistate outbreak of TASS.pdf
DOI10.1016/j.jcrs.2007.11.037
Notify Library Reference ID852

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