Comparative Evaluation of 26-Gauge Needle Versus Kimura Spatula for Corneal Scraping in Infective Keratitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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PURPOSE: Microbial keratitis accounts for significant proportion of corneal blindness. To know the underlying etiological micro-organism, performing corneal scraping is important for initiating the correct antibiotic therapy. A study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of 26-gauge needle and Kimura spatula for the same. METHODS: A prospective, comparative randomized pilot study was conducted to compare Kimura spatula (group 1) to 26-gauge needle (group 2). In total, 115 patients were recruited in the 2 groups-67 in group 1 and 48 in group 2. RESULTS: Both the groups were comparable in adequacy of sample, microbiological staining and culture, and safety ( P >0.05). However, in subgroup analysis, the number of fully adequate samples was higher and nonadequate samples was lower in the 26-gauge needle group ( P =0.004). CONCLUSION: Both Kimura spatula and 26-gauge needle are safe and effective tools for corneal scraping. However, in adequacy, cost-effectiveness, easy availability, disposable nature, and nondependency on sterilization unit, 26-gauge needle is superior to Kimura spatula.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.