Nationwide incidence of endophthamitis among the general population and the subjects at risk of endophthalmitis in Italy

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence of endophthalmitis in Italy. METHODS: The Ministry of Health Hospital Admissions online database was searched to identify cases of endophthalmitis and cases with risk factors for endophthalmitis (corneal ulcer, open wound of the eyeball, and intraocular surgery including retinal, iris, and lens procedures with or without vitrectomy). Annual Incidence rates (overall, and age- and gender-specific) were computed in the general population and in the population with one or more of the risk factors for endophthalmitis. RESULTS: The overall annual incidence of endophthalmitis / 100,000 inhabitants was 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI):1.8-2.1) in 2003. The risk for endophthalmitis and for most factors that cause predisposition to endophthalmitis was higher in males. The annual incidence rates of corneal ulcer, open wounds of the eyeball, retinal procedures, iris procedures, lens procedures, and other intraocular procedures were respectively (per 100,000 inhabitants) 4.6, 4.8, 43.0, 9.2, 775.7, and 63.0. The annual incidence of endophthalmitis per 100,000 predisposed subjects was 220 (95% CI: 210-230), and the risk was higher in males (relative risk 1.7, 95% CI: 1.5-1.9). Annual incidence rates remained stable from 1999 to 2003. CONCLUSIONS: Higher rates of open wounds of the eyeball, corneal ulcers, and retinal surgery among males may be responsible for their higher risk for endophthalmitis