Eye Exams Linked to NICU Infections

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Ophthalmologists are well  aware of the need for infection control measures when performing direct-con­tact exams. But a recent epidemiological investigation of an adenovirus outbreak in a Pennsylvania neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) highlights the crit­ical need for rigorous infec­tion-control protocols even with indirect eye exams.

INFECTION RISK. Adenovirus was transmitted via handheld lenses and indirect ophthalmoscopes during routine ROP screening. This image was originally published in the ASRS Retina Image Bank. Pavel Flores-Moreno. ROP. Retina Image Bank. 2018; Image Number 28554. © The American Society of Retina Specialists.

Adenovirus outbreak. During routine microbiolog­ic surveillance, the Depart­ment of Infection Prevention and Control at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) discovered adeno­virus-positive respiratory specimens in their NICU pa­tients in August 2016.¹ Their epidemiologic investigation included detailed review of neonates’ medical records, interviews with staff, and direct obser­vation of clinical practices.

Connection with eye exams. Next-generation sequencing of the virus strain definitively linked the outbreak cases with ophthalmic equipment used by the providers. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genome se­quencing found adenovirus serotype-3 DNA on 2 indirect ophthalmoscopes and 2 handheld lenses used during rou­tine, weekly screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Neonatal outcomes. Out of 43 neonates tested for ROP in August 2016, 23 tested positive for the adenovirus. Of these 23 cases, all had respiratory symp­toms, 12 needed additional respiratory support, 5 developed pneumonia, and 11 had ocular symptoms. Four neo­nates died; of these, 3 had underlying serious conditions prior to infection. All 23 had received an ophthalmologi­cal exam during “ROP rounds” within 14 days of onset.

Adult outcomes. Nine adults (6 em­ployees, 3 parents) were affected by the outbreak. All had conjunctivitis symp­toms and either had provided care to or had direct contact with the infants.

Infection control. The investigation found that 2 providers, each using a handheld lens and indirect ophthal­moscope, moved bedside to bedside around the NICU, carrying their equip­ment by hand or in a pocket. Observa­tion revealed a lack of standard hygiene practices, inconsistent handwashing, and limited glove use with this shared equipment.

The NICU then instituted stricter infection control protocols, including isolation, heightened vigilance of hand hygiene and use of gloves, daily staff screening for symptoms, and environ­mental disinfection. The NICU was able to contain the outbreak; no sec­ondary transmission occurred with this vulnerable, high-risk population.

Looking ahead. As the outbreak has triggered legal action, CHOP officials declined to comment. But Kimberly A. Drenser, MD, PhD, at Beaumont Eye Institute in Royal Oak, Michigan, pointed out, “For premature infants, the risk of exposure is high, since they receive eye exams weekly and the oph­thalmologists aren’t regular NICU staff. It’s much harder to control infection with outside staff coming in to do bedside exams.”

As a result, Dr. Drenser added, “more NICUs are moving toward dig­ital teleophthalmology exams for ROP. NICU staff take infants’ photos and an outside reader evaluates them.”

—Rebecca Taylor

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1 Sammons JS et al. Ophthalmology. Published online Sept. 1, 2018.

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Relevant financial disclosures—Dr. Drenser: None.

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