Epidemiological observations of consanguinity and retinoblastoma in Arabia. A retrospective study

Medical records of 136 Arabian children with retinoblastoma managed at the Joint Board and Specialist Hospitals in Riyadh over a 12-year period (1975-1987) were retrospectively reviewed. Late age at diagnosis, consanguinity amongst the parents of affected children and other epidemiological features of the neoplasm are discussed and compared to previously published reports from different parts of the world. Public education about early signs and symptoms of the disease as well as routine retinal examination of infants for early detection of the neoplasm and prevention of unnecessary complications are recommended.