Manifestation of Coats' disease by age in Taiwan

To compare the differences in clinical manifestation of Coats' disease between younger and older patients in the Far East.

Coats' disease cases diagnosed at one Taiwanese hospital from July 1986 to June 2004 were retrospectively reviewed (n=30; 32 eyes). Patients were stratified into groups according to the initial diagnosis of Coats' disease at the age of <20 years (Group Y) or >or=20 years (Group O). The clinical manifestations of Coats' disease in Group Y (19 eyes) and Group O (13 eyes) were compared.

A higher proportion of female patients was noted in Group O (P=0.046). Diseases were generally limited geographically, with 14 eyes (73.7%) manifesting involvement greater than 6 clock hours in Group Y and four eyes (30.8%) in Group O. The involved area including retinal telangiectasia and exudates was smaller in Group O (P=0.016). Patients without posterior pole involvement were associated with better visual outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 6.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-40.1, P=0.044).

Coats' disease manifestation was different between different age groups. Treatment is important to prevent disease progression. Visual prognosis is associated with posterior pole involvement.