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Ten-year etiologic review of Chinese children hospitalized for pediatric cataracts
Insights
Pediatric cataracts in China are predominantly congenital, with males most affected. Early ophthalmologic evaluation and parent education are crucial for timely diagnosis and management of pediatric eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Pediatric cataracts are a significant cause of visual impairment in children.
- Understanding the specific etiologies and characteristics of pediatric cataracts is essential for effective treatment strategies.
- Data on pediatric cataract demographics in China are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiologies and characteristics of pediatric cataracts treated at a single Chinese medical facility.
- To identify the prevalence of different cataract subtypes in children.
- To analyze demographic and clinical features of pediatric cataract patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records from Shengjing Hospital (August 2003 - July 2013).
- Inclusion of 367 pediatric patients (under 14 years) treated for various cataract subtypes.
- Data collection on patient demographics, cataract type, laterality, and associated conditions.
Main Results:
- Males were more commonly affected (63.2%) across all age groups and subtypes.
- Congenital cataracts were the most prevalent (80.7%), often associated with other abnormalities (16.22% hereditary).
- Traumatic cataracts were the most common acquired type (85.92%); steroid-induced and metabolic cataracts were rare.
Conclusions:
- Congenital cataracts form the majority of pediatric cases in this Chinese cohort.
- There is a notable delay in ophthalmologic evaluation for Chinese infants, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education.
- Regular eye assessments are vital, particularly for children on long-term systemic steroid therapy.
Purpose:
Our aim was to obtain a better understanding of the etiologies and characteristics of pediatric cataracts treated at a single facility in China.
Methods:
Medical records accrued over a 10-year period (from August, 2003 to July, 2013) at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University were reviewed retrospectively, identifying all patients treated for various subtypes of pediatric cataract. A database with 367 subjects under 14 years of age (598, including second-round surgeries) was generated.
Results:
Of this cohort (n = 367; males: 232, 63.2%; females: 135, 36.8%), 200 patients (54.5%) had bilateral cataracts, and 258 (70.3%) were under 3 years of age. In all age groups and in all subtypes of pediatric cataract, males were most commonly affected. Congenital cataract was the most prevalent subtype, accounting for 296 patients (80.7%). Most congenital cataracts were associated with other ocular or systemic abnormalities; and in 48 patients (16.22%), they were hereditary. Traumatic cataract was the most common subtype (85.92%) of acquired cataract. The few instances of cataracts due to steroids (n = 3) or to metabolic disorders (n = 2) occurred in males and involved both eyes.
Conclusion:
The majority of pediatric cataracts in this patient population were congenital in nature. A significant lag in ophthalmologic evaluation of Chinese infants was evident and should be addressed by educating both children and parents on risk factors for cataract development. Regular assessments are especially important in children subjected to long-term systemic steroid treatments.
