Conjunctival proliferation after a mild pepper spray injury in a young child.

Author(s): Gerber S, Frueh BE, Tappeiner C

Affiliation(s): Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.

Publication date & source: 2011-09, Cornea., 30(9):1042-4.

Publication type: Case Reports

PURPOSE: To report a case of conjunctival proliferation in a 2.5-year-old boy after initial evidence of a mild chemical injury after ocular exposure to pepper spray (oleoresin capsicum). METHODS: Case report with ophthalmologic and histologic findings. RESULTS: A child presented with mild conjunctival injection and chemosis without any corneal erosion after direct exposure to pepper spray. Three weeks later, a significant conjunctival proliferation was found at the limbus, which was refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids. Finally, proliferative tissue was surgically excised without clinical recurrence during 2 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize that the young age of the patient may have been an important factor for the severe conjunctival proliferation in comparison to a mainly uncomplicated course of pepper spray injuries in most adults. We recommend the use of topical antiinflammatory treatment even in apparently mild pepper spray injuries, especially in young children.