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Published on: October 13, 2017
[Congenital nasolacrimal obstruction: successful treatment factors]
Silvana Artioli Schellini1, Magda Massae Hata Viveiros, Elisângela Jaqueta
1Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP. sartioli@fmb.unesp.br
Insights
Epiphora relief in congenital nasolacrimal obstruction is less effective when symptoms begin after 4 months of age. However, massage and probing treatments can still yield successful outcomes in children over 3 years old.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Congenital nasolacrimal obstruction is a common condition in infants.
- Epiphora, or excessive tearing, is a primary symptom.
Purpose:
- To assess the relationship between the onset age of epiphora and treatment success in congenital nasolacrimal obstruction.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of massage and probing interventions based on symptom onset and patient age.
Summary:
- A study of 40 children with congenital nasolacrimal obstruction found that epiphora onset after 4 months of age correlated with poorer treatment outcomes.
- Both massage and probing demonstrated comparable success rates, with some children over 3 years old achieving resolution.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of early intervention for congenital nasolacrimal obstruction.
- Suggests that timely treatment, even with conservative methods, can be effective in older children.
Purpose:
To evaluate the possibility of epiphora relief in congenital nasolacrimal obstruction according to the age of the beginning of epiphora complaint and treatment effectiveness.
Methods:
Forty children with congenital nasolacrimal obstruction underwent treatment between 1997 and 1999 and were evaluated according to: age of start of epiphora, the results of the treatment and the possibility of successful outcome. The data were submitted to statistical analysis by the binomial proportional test between and within populations.
Results:
The success rate was worst when the epiphora started after the age of 4 months and results were similar on massage and probing, cure occurring even beyond 3 years of age.
Conclusion:
According to our results, the relief of epiphora was worst when starting at age over 4 months. Massage and probing may have good results even in children older than 3 years.
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