Congenital upper lid eversion and severe chemosis in a new born

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to report a case of bilateral congenital eversion of the upper eyelid in an 8 h- old male baby. JD is an 8 h-old male baby born by normal vaginal delivery after prolonged labor, to a 24-year-old primigravida. Pregnancy was said to be term but was complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension. A midwife delivered the baby and it was by spontaneous vertex delivery. He was said to have cried immediately after birth, but shortly afterward parents noticed a reddish fleshy swelling over the eyes and this made it difficult for them to see the eyeballs. The reddish swelling steadily increased in size necessitating their prompt referral to our center. On examination, a full term baby was seen with complete eversion of both upper eyelids and marked conjunctival chemosis. Ocular examination revealed normal globes with healthy cornea and briskly reactive pupils. The child was admitted and started on 3-hourly chloramphenicol ointment, ciloxan eye drop (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride United States Pharmacopeia equivalent to ciprofloxacin 0.3% w/v) - 8 times daily and 5% hypertonic saline patch over the chemosed conjunctiva. The pediatrician was also invited to co-manage the patient. After 9-days of treatment, the conjunctival chemosis fully resolved and lids reverted back to normal position. At 4-week follow-up, the lids continued to maintain their normal position and child could now open eyelids spontaneously. Congenital upper eyelid eversion is a rare clinical entity even though it is said to be commoner in blacks. Knowledge of its complete resolution with conservative management will help in future management of such cases thereby preventing complications that may arise from poorly treated cases.