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Vitreous hemorrhage is a common complication of pediatric pars planitis
Andreas Katsuya Lauer1, Justine R Smith, Joseph E Robertson
1Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3375 SW Terwilliger Hospital, Portland, OR 97201, USA.
Insights
Children with pars planitis, an inflammatory eye condition, are significantly more likely to experience vitreous hemorrhage than adults. Pars planitis should be considered in diagnosing pediatric vitreous hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Uveitis
Background:
- Pars planitis is a form of intermediate uveitis.
- Vitreous hemorrhage is a known complication of ocular inflammatory diseases.
Observation:
- This study investigated the prevalence of vitreous hemorrhage in pars planitis.
- A retrospective, cross-sectional observational study reviewed 118 patients diagnosed with pars planitis.
- Vitreous hemorrhage was present in 14% of all patients.
Findings:
- Patients experiencing vitreous hemorrhage were significantly younger at diagnosis.
- The prevalence of vitreous hemorrhage was significantly higher in children (28%) compared to adults (6%) with pars planitis.
- Vitreous hemorrhage was also a more common presenting feature in children (20%) versus adults (1%).
Implications:
- Children diagnosed with pars planitis have a higher likelihood of developing vitreous hemorrhage.
- Ophthalmologists should consider pars planitis in the differential diagnosis of vitreous hemorrhage in pediatric patients.
- Early recognition and management of pars planitis in children may help prevent complications like vitreous hemorrhage.
Objective:
To report the prevalence of vitreous hemorrhage in pars planitis and to compare the prevalence of hemorrhage for children and adults with the disease.
Design:
A retrospective, cross-sectional observational study.
Participants:
One hundred eighteen consecutive patients with pars planitis who were evaluated at the Oregon Health and Science University Uveitis Clinic between September 1985 and April 2000.
Method:
A review of clinical records.
Main Outcome Measures:
For all patients, we recorded presence or absence of vitreous hemorrhage, as well as laterality and cause. Children were defined as being age 16 years or younger at diagnosis, and adults were defined as being aged 17 years or older at diagnosis.
Results:
Fourteen percent of patients with pars planitis experienced vitreous hemorrhage. Persons with hemorrhage were significantly younger at the time of disease diagnosis than persons without hemorrhage (P = 0.040). The difference in prevalence of vitreous hemorrhage between children (28%) and adults (6%) was statistically significant (P = 0.003). The difference in prevalence of hemorrhage as a presenting feature between children (20%) and adults (1%) was also statistically significant (P = 0.001).
Conclusions:
Children with pars planitis are more likely than adults to experience vitreous hemorrhage. Pars planitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric vitreous hemorrhage.