Epidemiological pattern of Primary Congenital Glaucoma among Egyptian Children aged 0-4 years Attending Minoufia University hospital

Abstract

Background: Congenital Glaucoma(CG) is a multiple disease features that can lead to loss of vision. Unfortunately, studies involved in the detection of PCG in Egypt are not enough. Delayed diagnosis and management in those patients consequently lead to burdens on patients and their families. Objectives: To assess the frequency of CG among children aged 0 to 4years and to describe its associated risk factors and the used surgical modalities.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on children aged 0-4years and presented to out-patient clinics at ophthalmology and pediatrics departments in Menoufia University hospitals during the period from 2017 to 2020. Results: Incidence of congenital glaucoma was 65.8 per100,000 patients during the studied 4years. Bilateral PCG comprised 84% of the total patients. Incidence of conjunctivitis, Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction(NLDO), and corneal abrasion represented 526.3,394.7,and78.95 per100,000, respectively. Eighty-two percent of the patients had positive consanguineous marriage. Positive family history of PCG was detected in 20% of the patients. A highly significant difference was detected regarding pre to post-surgical management of PCG. Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome was presented only in 1patient. Visual acuity was mostly managed either by fix and follow or poor fixation in 42%and56%of the patients, respectively. Seven patients only experienced post-operative complications such as hypotony, choroidal hypotony, or uncontrolled IOP. Visual acuity problems were reported in32%of the patients.Conclusion: There was a high incidence of primary congenital glaucoma among children aged0-4years old declaring a public health concern. All children should be routinely investigated and assessed at birth for early detection and proper management.