Complex Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Research Articles

Nasolacrimal duct Probing versus Silicone Intubation in the Treatment of Complex Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Nasolacrimal duct Probing versus Silicone Intubation in the Treatment of Complex Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Assessing the success rate of treatment in simple and complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To assess and compare the success rate (SR) of probing and intubation in patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). We conducted a literature search for identifying relevant studies published in English using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from the date of inception to Feb 2023. After extracting data, the SR was compared between the study groups: simple and complex CNLDO. To compare the treatment outcome, the mean difference of the SR was considered as the effect size. Random effects model or fixed effects model were performed for statistical inferences. A total of 21 studies were eligible to be analyzed. The pooled SR of treatment was 88% in simple, and 57% in complex CNLDO. Exerting intubation in increased the SR from 87% (SR of probing) to 92% in simple CNLDO which was not significant. However, compared to probing, intubation has a significantly higher SR in complex CNLDO (46 to 82%). While the SR of probing was significantly lower in complex CNLDO, the difference between the SR of intubation was not significant between groups. Although increasing the age does not have an adverse effect on the SR in simple CNDLO, it causes a significant decrease in the SR of complex group. This study revealed that even though the addition of NLD intubation does not provide significant benefits beyond probing alone for patients with simple CNLDO, in children with complex CNLDO, NLD intubation should be considered as a primary treatment due to its substantial increase in surgical success rates. Delaying the treatment would increase its success in patients with complex but not the simple CNLDO.

Outcomes Associated with Indwelling Momentary Probe for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Treatment.

To compare the outcomes of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) patients undergoing nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLD) probing in whom momentary probe indwelling was and was not performed. Randomised controlled trial. Department of Orbital and Oculoplastic Surgery, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China, from June 1, 2021, to January 30, 2022. Two hundred and four patients with CNLDO (217 eyes) were enrolled and underwent NLD probing. These patients were randomly assigned to undergo NLD probing with or without momentary probe indwelling. Specifically, no indwelling was performed for patients in Group A, whereas probe indwelling for 5 minutes was performed for patients in Group B. Patients were additionally separated into simple and complex CNLDO groups based on intraoperative exploration results. Preoperative characteristics, success rates, and procedure-related complications were compared among these patient groups, with the shortest follow-up time point being 6 months. In total, 205 eyes from 192 patients were included in the final study analyses. The respective success rates in Groups A and B were 92.08% and 94.23%, respectively (p = 0.541). The success rates for simple CNLDO procedures in Groups A and B were 97.65% and 96.43%, respectively (p = 0.640), whereas for complex CNLDO procedures these success rates were 62.50% and 85.00% (p = 0.146). Age, unilateral or bilateral disease, and prior dacryocyst massage were not found to be associated with the risk of operative failure. While NLD probing is a beneficial treatment for children affected by CNLDO that is associated with satisfactory outcomes, momentary probe indwelling did not confer any additional benefits and is thus likely to be unnecessary. Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, Nasolacrimal duct probing, Indwelling time.

Nasal endoscopy-guided primary nasolacrimal duct intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children older than 4years.

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic guided primary bicanalicular intubation (BCI) for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children older than 4years. A total of 40 eyes from 33 children (18 males, 15 females) with CNLDO who underwent bicanalicular intubation were evaluated. The type of CNLDO was determined by endonasal endoscopic visualisation. The mean silicone tube removal time was 4.3 ± 0.9months (ranging from 3 to 6months). The children were followed up for 6months after the removal of tubes. Therapeutic success was defined as the normal result of the fluorescein dye disappearance test and complete resolution of previous lacrimal symptoms and signs. The median age was 80 [48] (range 48-156) months. Treatment success was achieved in 32 of 40 eyes (80.0%). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the age and success rate (p = 0.006). The success rate was lower in older children. Membranous type of CNLDO was observed in 47.5% (19/40) of the cases. The median age of patients with a membranous and complex type of CNLDO were 60 [30] months and 96 [53] months, respectively. Surgical success was 100% in the membranous type of CNLDO and 61.9% in the complex CNLDO group. Primary BCI using nasal endoscopic visualisation has a favourably high success rate for treating CNLDO in children aged 4 to 13years. Treatment success was found to be related to both the type of CNLDO and age.

Retrospective analysis of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction outcomes in a tertiary referral center

Summary Background The aim of this study was to profile patients with simple and complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and to determine the success rates of interventions at a third-level referral center. Methods In this retrospective and comparative study, medical records of patients with CNLDO were reviewed. Demographic data, types of CNLDO, surgical approach, type of silicone intubation, as well as outcome were recorded up to 3 months after the intervention. Obstruction location was identified by probing and irrigation following the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) approach. Success rates were calculated for treatment approach and age group. Results Based on the outcome of 130 eyes with CNLDO, the overall success rate was 96%. The mean age of patients was 2.5 ± 2.2 months; 73% of cases were simple and 27% were complex CNLDO. Five children had to undergo reoperation; consequently, there was a lower success rate in the complex CNLDO (91%) than in the simple CNLDO subgroup (97%). There was a male predominance (61.5%), which was also present in the simple and complex CNLDO subgroups. The most frequent type of CNLDO was complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO, 55.4%), followed by partial (17.7%) and bony NLDO (11.5%). In 87% of eyes, initial probing was performed followed by dacryocystorhinostomy (10%). Mono- or bi-canalicular lacrimal drainage system intubation was used in 86% of eyes. Conclusion The AAO-based diagnostic approach followed by an individualized treatment regimen yielded excellent success rates of 96% in unselected patients with CNLDO. These success rates were independent of patient age or gender.

Effect of age on primary balloon dacryocystoplasty and probing success in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

To compare the success rates of balloon dacryocystoplasty (BDP) and probing as a primary procedure in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and investigate the effect of age on both procedures. A total of 135 patients (171 eyes) with simple and incomplete complex CNLDO were included in this retrospective study; complete complex CNLDO cases were excluded. The success rates for primary BDP (118 eyes) and for probing (53 eyes) were compared overall and among the age groups; Group 1 (12-24months old), Group 2 (25-36months old), and Group 3 (> 36months old). Mean age of the patients was 41.5 ± 27.2months for primary BDP, and 21.8 ± 10.8months for probing (p < 0.001). Overall success rates for primary BDP and probing were 81.1% (43/53) and 76.3% (90/118), respectively (p = 0.481). Success rates for BDP and probing among age groups were 93.8% and 85.3% in Group 1 (p = 0.360), 93.3% and 50.0% in Group 2 (p = 0.012), and 63.6% and 27.3% in Group 3 (p = 0.052), respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that the median ages were 18months for probing and 36months for primary BDP. The Poisson regression model showed that for every 1-month increase in patients' age, the success rate of probing decreased by 9.7%. Probing success decreased to a point where different treatment options such as primary BDP can be discussed with the patients' parents after 18months of age. The success of BDP decreased after 36months, while it maintained a high success rate between 24 and 36months as primary treatment.

Comparison of Endoscopically Assisted Primary Probing and Bicanalicular Silicone Intubation for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Children Aged 4 to 7 Years.

To compare the clinical outcomes of primary nasolacrimal duct probing and primary bicanalicular intubations with endoscopic assistance for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children aged 4 to 7 years. Forty-three eyes of 43 children (25 boys and 18 girls) with congenital epiphora who underwent primary unilateral probing and bicanalicular intubation were evaluated retrospectively. The tubes were removed 3 to 4 months after their placement, and the children were followed up for another 6 months after their removal. Treatment success was defined as the normal result of the fluorescein dye disappearance test and complete resolution of the lacrimal symptoms and signs of patients. The success rates were compared between the two groups (bicanalicular intubation vs probing). Type of CNLDO (membranous, incomplete complex, and complete complex) was determined with an endonasal endoscope. The mean age was 63.3 ± 11.1 months (range: 48 to 84 months) for the probing group and 64.4 ± 12.1 months (range: 48 to 84 months) for the bicanalicular intubation group (P = .915). The bicanalicular intubation group showed significantly greater treatment success (21 of 24, 87.5%) compared to the probing group (11 of 19, 57.9%; P = .038). Bicanalicular intubation provided higher treatment success among patients with complex CNLDO compared to probing (80.0% vs 11.1%, P = .002). There was no difference in mean age between the patients with successful and failed treatment in both groups (P = .631 and .137, respectively). Bicanalicular intubation was associated with a higher success rate than probing under nasal endoscopic visualization for the treatment of CNLDO in children aged 4 to 7 years. The type of CNLDO might be the primary factor for the treatment success. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(2):101-107.].

Outcome of monocanalicular intubation for complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: the role of age.

Objective: Complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is caused by pathologies other than the typical incomplete perforation of the thin membrane in the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). Our purpose was to determine the success of silicone tube insertion for such complex CNLDO cases.Methods: Children who met the defined criteria for complex CNLDO and underwent monocanalicular silicone tube insertion between April 2016 and December 2020 were included. The tube was retained for 6-8 weeks and the final outcome was measured 3-4 months after tube removal. If the patients were totally symptom free, the outcome was recorded as complete success. Acceptable outcome was defined as Munk score ≤ 1 (requiring less than twice daily dabbing) and others were classified as failed.Results: Initially, 147 eyes of 132 patients underwent NLD intubation. However, after exclusion of the 11 cases with spontaneous tube extrusion (7.48%), 136 eyes of 121 patients entered the final analysis. The mean age was 23.9 ± 13.0 months (range 8-73 months). The outcome was complete success in 100 eyes (73.5%), acceptable in 16 (11.8%), and failure in 20 eyes (14.7%). The differences in the outcome of the procedure for the eyes based on history of previous probing and age was not statistically significant.Conclusions: NLD intubation with monocanalicular stent is effective in the resolution of complex CNLDO in 85% of cases. This procedure is associated with infrequent complications, like tube loss. The success is not negatively affected by older age and previously failed probing history.Abbreviations: CNLDO = congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, NLD = nasolacrimal duct

Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Update Study (CUP Study): Paper 4-Infantile Acute Dacryocystitis (InAD)-Presentation, Management, and Outcomes.

To study the presentation, management, and outcomes of infantile acute dacryocystitis. Retrospective study of infants diagnosed with acute dacryocystitis over a period from June 2016 to December 2019. Data collected include demographics, clinical history, presenting features, management, complications, and outcomes. Treatment provided was intensive medical care followed by early probing under endoscopic guidance. Further interventions, where needed, were performed based on intraoperative findings during probing. Successful outcomes were defined as resolution of infection, subjective relief from epiphora, and anatomical patency determined by a normal fluorescein dye disappearance test. Twenty-seven eyes of 27 infants were analyzed during the study period. The mean age of infants was 3.26 months, and males were more affected than females (male:female 15:12). The mean duration of symptoms was 4.66 weeks, with 96% (26/27) presenting with symptoms of redness, watering, discharge, and swelling. Preseptal cellulitis was seen in 74% (20/27) infants, lacrimal abscess in 67% (18/27) infants, and lacrimal fistula in 37% (10/27). Most infants had complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (62%, 13/27), of which 7 also had intranasal cysts. One infant successfully underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. At a mean follow-up period of 7.95 months, successful outcomes were observed in 90.4% (19/21) infants. The 2 failed cases were complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with associated sac diverticula and are scheduled for an endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Infantile acute dacryocystitis is a distinct clinical entity. The outcomes of systemic antibiotics and early probing are excellent.

Monocanalicular Intubation in Children with Incomplete Complex Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Older Than Five Years of Age.

Purpose:To evaluate the role of monocanalicular intubation (MCI) in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children older than 5 years of age.Methods:A retrospective case series study was done on children over 5 years of age diagnosed with CNLDO who underwent MCI. Success rates were evaluated subjectively by asking their parents about persistent symptoms and objectively using the dye disappearance test in clinical examination.Results:A total of 43 eyes of 37 patients with a mean age of 7.42 ± 2.33 (range, 5–15 years of age) were included. The success rate was 60.46%, and the rate of secondary surgical intervention was 25% of all cases (61.11% of failed cases).Conclusion:Primary MCI maintains a reasonable success rate in incomplete complicated CNLDO regardless of age.

Current management strategies of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions

ABSTRACT Introduction: Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is characterized by epiphora starting in the first two weeks after birth, representing 90% of the causes of epiphora in childhood. The purpose of this article is to provide information about the main aspects of this important entity. Method: This is an extensive database search, including articles about causes of epiphora in newborns, clinical diagnosis, types and treatments of CNLDO, exploring conservative (massage and antibiotics), or invasive treatment (probing, intubation, balloon catheter dilatation, dacryocystorhinostomy) as well the use of adjuvant treatment. Results: Despite the many controversies related to the CNLDO treatment, the decisions must be based on the natural history of the affection, type of obstruction, and clinical manifestation. Recognizing the types of obstruction (simples or complex) can facilitate choosing the adequate treatment. Nasal endoscopy is the most important tool for CNLDO diagnosis and management, mainly in complex cases, highlighting the variants of CNLDO, optimizing management to achieve better success rates. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in children can also provide a very good outcome. Conclusion: Simple CNLDO can have a spontaneous resolution or evolve to cure with a massage. However, complex CNLDO must have more attention. Endoscopy can document the efficacy of sondage and provide the opportunity to treat associated nasal alterations detected during the procedure, improving the outcome.

Update on the Long-Term Outcomes Following the Management of Incomplete Punctal Canalization.

To study the clinical profile, associated lacrimal disorders, and long-term outcomes following a membranotomy, in patients with incomplete punctal canalization (IPC). Retrospective interventional study was performed of all the patients diagnosed with IPC during the study period over 5 years from January 2015 to December 2020. The diagnosis of IPC was made based on the earlier published guidelines. A combination of rapid and slow taper Nettleship's punctal dilators were used for an effective membranotomy, followed by further assessment of the lacrimal drainage passage. Appropriate interventions for associated lacrimal disorders were performed. Data collected on chart reviews include demographics, clinical presentation, laterality, type of IPC, associated lacrimal anomalies, management modalities, and long-term outcomes. Ninety-eight puncta of 62 eyes of 46 patients with IPC were examined in the clinic. Incomplete punctal canalization-external membrane variant was seen in 62% (61/98) and internal membrane variant in 38% (37/98). Seventy-eight puncta (78/98, 79.5%) in 39 patients underwent membranotomy using Nettleship's punctal dilator. Associated lacrimal drainage pathway deformities were seen in 31% of patients (12/39). Three puncta had mini-monoka insertion for associated canalicular stenosis and canalicular obstruction. Five patients with associated congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction underwent probing, of which 3 patients needed dacryocystorhinostomy for complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Associated punctal agenesis was noted in 3 patients involving the other punctum of the same eye. Canalicular wall hypoplasia involving 3 walls of the canaliculus was seen in 1 patient. At a mean follow up of 28 months, the anatomical and functional outcomes were noted in 100% and 97.4%, respectively. The long-term outcomes of membranotomy for IPC are excellent. Associated congenital lacrimal drainage anomalies are common with IPC.

Usefulness of high definition sialoendoscope for evaluation of lacrimal drainage system in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Sialoendoscope was used as a dacryoendoscope, high- definition images of the lacrimal drainage system (LDS) were captured and its performance in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is reported. Nasal endoscopy was done as the first in all the cases using a 0°, 2.7 mm nasal endoscope (Karl Stroz Tutlingan Germany). This was followed by Dacryoendoscopy (DEN) of the lacrimal drainage system from puncta till the valve of Hasner. DEN was performed under general anaesthesia in 26 children (including 17 primary and 9 failed probing cases). All cases were examined using 0.8 mm sialoendoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) with fibreoptic light transmission with a side port for irrigation. We were able to obtain high-definition images of canaliculi, lacrimal sac, sac duct junction, proximal, mid and distal segments of nasolacrimal duct in all the children with CNLDO.In 17 primary cases 16 had distal membranous obstruction and I case had proximal canalicular obstruction. In nine children with history of failed probing, five had membranous obstruction, two had dacryoliths, two had NLD malformation at different levels. An overall success rate of 88.4% was achieved. Sialoendoscope can be used as high-definition dacryoendoscope for diagnostic and therapeutic use in CNLDO. Useful information can be obtained on dacryoendoscopy in complex CNLDO cases.

Probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Lacrimal probing is the treatment of choice for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction that does not have a spontaneous resolution; however, there is no consensus about the best time for probing and if it is superior to other therapies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lacrimal probing compared with other treatments/no intervention to treat congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. A systematic review of literature in PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, clinicaltrials.gov, and LILACS databases up to December 2019 was performed. Randomized clinical trials that enrolled children diagnosed with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and undergoing lacrimal probing were considered. Data extraction and a risk of bias assessment were conducted independently and in duplicate. The overall quality of evidence for each outcome was conducted using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation classification system. Four randomized clinical trials involving 423 participants were eligible. No statistically significant differences were observed in resolution rates between early probing and observation/late probing (two studies; risk ratio 1.00 [95% confidence interval 0.76-1.33]; p=0.99; low certainty evidence). One study reported better resolution rates with bicanalicular silicone stent intubation compared with late probing in the complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction cases subgroup (risk ratio 0.56 [95% confidence interval 0.34-0.92]; p=0.02; moderate certainty evidence). Low certainty evidence suggests that early probing has the same success rate as late probing. Evidence of moderate certainty suggests that late probing has a lower success rate than bicanalicular silastic intubation in patients with complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructione.

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction update study (CUP study): Paper II - Profile and outcomes of complex CNLDO and masquerades

ObjectiveTo assess the profiles and outcomes of complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (C-CNLDO). MethodsRetrospective interventional case-series was performed on patients diagnosed with C-CNLDO and managed at a tertiary care Dacryology Institute from Jan 2016 to June 2019. Complex CNLDO was diagnosed based on intraoperative findings during probing and are defined as entities where CNLDO is secondary to, or associated with complex embryonic entities like buried probe, mal-development or non-development of bony NLD, additional proximal lacrimal dysgenesis, atonic sac, or associated craniofacial syndromes and craniofacial dysostosis. The parameters studied include patient demographics, clinical presentation, types of C-CNLDO, management modalities, and outcomes. Success was defined as the subjective resolution of epiphora and discharge with objective measures of normal tear meniscus height and dye clearance on fluorescein dye disappearance test. For patients who underwent a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), a minimum follow-up of 1-year post-DCR was considered for outcome analysis. ResultsOf the 2714 cases of CNLDO managed during this period, 482 (17.75%) were diagnosed as complex CNLDO. C-CNLDO showed predilection to the male gender (60.3%, 291/482). A significant number of patients (40.2%, 194/482) presented beyond 36 months of age. The common subtypes of C-CNLDO were atonic sacs (33.8%, 163/482), buried probes (19.7%, 95/482), and associated proximal lacrimal drainage anomalies (11.2%, 54/482). Since C-CNLDO is usually confirmed during the initial endoscopy-guided probing, the managements varied based on the type of C-CNLDO. Silicone intubation and/or balloon dacryoplasty (BDCP), and/or additional minimally invasive procedures were added to the initial endoscopy-guided irrigation and probing based on the nature of C-CNLDO. The overall resolution rate with these non-bypass modalities was 72.6% (350/482). Although the success rates start dropping in C-CNLDO patients beyond 3-years of age, significant success rates with multi-modal (non-bypass) management were noted in age-groups 3–5 years (71.8%, 79/110) and encouraging results (38.5%, 27/70) in 5–10 years age group. The anatomical and functional outcomes in those who underwent endoscopic or external dacryocystorhinostomy with a follow-up beyond 1-year was 96.4% (55/57). ConclusionThe age at presentation is delayed in patients with C-CNLDO. Multi-modal endoscopy-guided management facilitates the identification of several sub-types of C-CNLDO, and achieves significantly high favourable outcomes in older children. C-CNLDO refractory to probing, intubation and BDCP demonstrates high success with external or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

Lacrimal drainage system involvement in Peters anomaly: clinical features and outcomes

ABSTRACT Purpose To present first of its kind series on the clinical features and outcomes of lacrimal drainage disorders in Peters anomaly and Peters plus syndrome. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of all consecutive patients who were known cases of Peters anomaly or Peters plus anomaly and were diagnosed with associated congenital lacrimal drainage disorders. The study period was from June 2016 to Dec 2020. All these patients underwent examination under anaesthesia for a detailed assessment of lacrimal drainage anomalies. Where indicated, they were treated with probing, intubation, or in refractory patients with a dacryocystorhinostomy. The anatomical and functional outcomes were assessed. Results Of the 282 patients with Peters anomaly, 4 (1.4%) patients had associated lacrimal drainage system anomalies while of the 16 Peters plus anomaly children, 3 (18.75%) had associated lacrimal drainage system anomalies. A total of 12 lacrimal drainage systems of 12 eyes of 7 patients of Peters anomaly were found to be involved. Upper or lower punctal agenesis were noted in 3 eyes. Three eyes had complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO), two of which had a bony NLD block and one had a misdirected nasolacrimal duct through the inferior turbinate. One eye had a diffuse NLD stenosis without a CNLDO. Following appropriate management, at a mean follow-up of 25.7 months (range: 3–48 months), all the eyes except one (91%, 10/11) demonstrated anatomical and functional success. Conclusion Lacrimal drainage involvement was more common in Peters plus syndrome. Multiple proximal and distal lacrimal drainage segment anomalies were noted in all the variants of Peters anomaly; however, Peters plus syndrome was noted to usually involve both the segments.

Infantile Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: Indications, Anatomical Considerations, and Outcomes

The purpose of this case series is to report the demographic profile, indications, anatomical considerations, and outcomes of Endonasal endoscopic DCR in the infants. Five eyes of 3 infants underwent IEnDCR with a mean age of 4.26 months (range: 23 days-8 months). There were 2 males and 1 female. Two of the infants underwent bilateral surgery. The indication for surgery in the infant undergoing unilateral surgery was recurrent acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal abscess formation secondary to refractory and complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Infants undergoing bilateral lacrimal surgery had refractory complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and were in need for an early intraocular surgery for associated ocular morbidities. Mitomycin-C (0.02% for 3 minutes) and silicone intubation was used in all cases. At follow up of 9 months, all the 3 infants demonstrated anatomical and functional success. The surgical technique requires certain modifications in order to cater to the unique challenges. It is safe and effective in experienced hands and can be considered as an alternative to an external DCR in infants.

Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction and Its Association With the Mode of Birth.

To assess the association of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) with mode of birth (vaginal or cesarean). This study was a prospective interventional case series of 200 consecutive cases of CNLDO presenting at a tertiary care center. Data collected include demographics, mode of delivery, elective or emergency cesarean section, primary or secondary cesarean sections, type of CNLDO (simple or complex), management, and outcomes. Statistical significance was set at a P value of less than .05. Of the 200 consecutive patients, 97 (48.5%) were vaginal deliveries and 103 (51.5%) were cesarean sections. Of the 103 cesarean section patients, 57 (55.3%) were primary cesarean sections and the remaining were secondary cesarean sections. Based on the type of CNLDO, 172 (86%) were simple CNLDO. In general, the current study did not find any significant association between the incidence of CNLDO and mode of delivery. Among the complex CNLDO cohort (n = 28), a significant association was found with cesarean section delivery (P = .016); however, no such association was noted when the patients were analyzed with regard to their age at presentation. The current study did not find an overall significant association between CNLDO and the mode of delivery; however, the subset of patients with complex CNLDO showed a significant association with cesarean section. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(4):266-268.].

Prevalence of buried probe in complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and evaluation of its success rate post ‘probing and irrigation’: a single-centre retrospective study

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of buried probe variant of complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and to evaluate the outcome of probing and irrigation in such cases. Institutional review board approval was taken.Material & Methods: A total of 309 eyes (258 patients) were diagnosed with CNLDO during the study period of January 2014–March 2017. A retrospective file review of 25 lacrimal systems of 20 patients diagnosed as buried probe variant of complex CNLDO was carried out during the study period.Result: Buried probe variant of complex CNLDO was found to be 8% of the total CNLDO cases during the study period. Mean age at presentation was 1.7 years (range 8–48 months). Discharge and matting of eyelashes were the presenting symptoms in 22 out of 25 (88%) cases, whereas the only epiphora was the presenting symptom in three (12%) cases. Regurgitation of mucopurulent discharge on pressure over lacrimal sac area was positive in 16 out of 25 (64%) eyes. Associated lacrimal and nasal pathologies were seen in six out of 25 cases (24%).Success rate in buried probe variant cases of CNLDO in our study at 3-month follow-up was 88% (22 of 25 cases).Conclusion: A high period prevalence of 8% out of all CNLDO cases in our study suggests that the buried probe should be considered in selective cases of CNLDO and earlier unsuccessful probing.

Lacrimal drainage anomalies in congenital rubella syndrome.

PurposeThe objective of this study was to ascertain the lacrimal drainage anomalies in a cohort of patients suffering from congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).MethodsThis was a retrospective case series performed in patients with CRS presenting with associated lacrimal drainage anomalies (LDA) over 6 years from 2011 to 2016. All the patients were confirmed as having CRS after clinical and laboratory testing. Data collected include demographics; associated lacrimal, ocular, and systemic anomalies; interventions performed for lacrimal anomalies; and their anatomical and functional outcomes.ResultsEighty five patients were diagnosed as having CRS during the study period, and of these 23 eyes of 12 patients with associated LDA were included in the study. The prevalence of LDA was 14% in CRS. The mean age at presentation was 15.5 weeks, and all except one had bilateral presentation. Seventeen eyes were diagnosed with simple congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and the remaining six eyes had complex CNLDO with buried probes. Additional lacrimal anomalies noted in the six complex CNLDO cases included punctal agenesis (n=3), atonic sac (n=3), incomplete punctal canalization (n=2), and single canalicular wall hypoplasia (n=1). At a mean follow-up of 12.54 months, anatomical and functional success were noted in 91.3% (21/23 eyes).ConclusionSimple CNLDO was the most common of the LDA in CRS. Buried probe was universal among the cases with complex CNLDO. All CRS patients should be screened for lacrimal anomalies to initiate appropriate interventions for successful outcomes.