PATTERN, RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOME OF OCULAR TRAUMA IN CHILDREN TREATED AT SOHAG UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the pattern, risk factors and outcome of ocular trauma in children treated atSohag University Hospital. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted to providean epidemiological data. This study included all children admitted to the Ophthalmology Department,via the Emergency Department, at Sohag University Hospital, in the period between May 2010and April 2011 with ocular trauma. Patients were analyzed with respect to: (1) demographics,(2) time, place and nature of trauma, (3) type of injury, (4) Interval between trauma and start oftreatment, (5) management and (6) visual outcomes following repair. Results: Sixty childrenwith ocular injuries presented to the ER, at Sohag University Hospital, between May 2010 andApril 2011 were included; 35 cases (58.3%) were males and 25 cases (41.7%) were females.There was a higher incidence among children from urban areas (40 cases, 66.7%) than thosefrom rural areas (22 cases, 33.3%). The majority of patients (46 cases; 76.7%) came to the hospitalwithin 24 hours of their trauma; 9 cases (15%) showed a delay of more than 24 hours, and5cases (8.3%) showed a delay of more than 1 week, who had a higher rates of complications.The most common cause of ocular Trauma in children in this study was injury by sharp objectsaccounted for 27 cases (45%), followed by blunt trauma 10 cases (16.7%), then trauma bystones 8 cases (13.3%), trauma by a plant object 7 cases (11.7%), falling on the face 5 cases(8.3%), and trauma by woody objects 3 cases (5%). The Post traumatic Complications includedtraumatic cataract (26 cases, 43.3%), retinal detachment (4 cases, 6.7%), aphakia (6 cases, 10%),atrophia bulbi (7 cases, 11.7%), endophthalmitis (2 cases, 3.3%), and blood stained cornea (3 cases,5%). Conclusion: Ocular injuries in children may result in severe visual impairment which can affectthe future of these children. The earlier the presentation to the hospital, the better the visual prognosis. The author recommends establishment of educational programs to teach the first aid treatmentmeasures to nurses working in primary health centers, teachers, and general population. Fortunately,most pediatric ocular trauma is preventable by simple measures. Increased literacy and healthawareness is vital.