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Ischemic optic neuropathy in a child

Lalitha Sivaswamy1, Gregory P Vanstavern

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA. lsivaswamy@med.wayne.edu

Pediatric Neurology
|October 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is a rare childhood complication, particularly during sildenafil citrate therapy for pulmonary hypertension. This case highlights potential pediatric ocular risks associated with this medication.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is uncommon in children, typically linked to surgery or hypovolemia.
  • Sildenafil citrate is increasingly used for pediatric pulmonary hypertension, but its ocular side effects in children are not well-documented.

Observation:

  • A pediatric patient developed NAION during sildenafil citrate treatment for pulmonary hypertension.
  • This presentation is unusual given the typical causes of NAION in children.

Findings:

  • The case suggests a potential link between sildenafil citrate and NAION in pediatric patients.
  • Ocular complications of sildenafil are more extensively reported in adults than in children.

Implications:

  • This report underscores the need for vigilance regarding potential ophthalmologic complications of sildenafil citrate in pediatric populations.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology and incidence of NAION in children receiving sildenafil.
  • Clinicians should consider NAION in pediatric patients presenting with sudden vision loss during sildenafil therapy.

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