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Updated: Oct 5, 2025
Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
Ocular signs, visual and general developmental outcome in Indian children with radiologically proven periventricular
Perumalsamy Vijayalakshmi1, Jeyaseeli Flora2, Gargi Shah1
1Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in Indian children, both preterm and term, is linked to significant visual impairments and developmental delays. Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a significant cause of neurological impairment in infants.
- Limited literature exists on PVL's impact on Indian children's visual and developmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe visual and associated developmental abnormalities in Indian children with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
- To address the paucity of literature regarding PVL in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of children with radiologically confirmed PVL.
- Detailed ocular and general developmental assessments were performed at a tertiary eye care facility.
Main Results:
- 46% of 75 children experienced visual impairment, significantly higher in Grade 3 PVL.
- Strabismus (80%) and refractive errors (71%), predominantly myopic astigmatism, were common.
- All children showed delays in general developmental milestones.
Conclusions:
- PVL affects both term and preterm infants, leading to substantial ocular and systemic morbidities.
- Early identification and intervention programs are recommended to enhance the quality of life for affected children.
Purpose:
Owing to the paucity of literature on Indian children with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), this retrospective study aimed to describe the visual and associated developmental abnormalities in a series of affected children attending a tertiary level eye care facility.
Methods:
Children with radiologically confirmed PVL who attended the Pediatric Department of a tertiary eye hospital were included and underwent a detailed ocular and general developmental assessment.
Results:
Of the 75 children, the mean age was 2.3 years, the mean follow-up was 3.1 years, 68% were males and 43% were born preterm. Grade I PVL was identified in 13 children (17%), Grade 2 PVL in 39 (52%), and Grade 3 PVL in 23 (31%). Premies with ≤2 kg (72.5%) and term babies with >2 kg (75%) had a greater association of PVL occurrence with a preponderance to severe PVL; 46% of the children were visually impaired which was significantly higher in the children with Grade 3 PVL (74%) than those with Grade 2 PVL (15%). Strabismus was common (80%) with a change in deviation over time. Seventy-one percent of the children had a refractive error, frequently myopic astigmatism. All the children except two had a delay in one or more general developmental milestones.
Conclusion:
PVL occurrence is observed both in the babies born at term and premies, resulting in significant ocular and systemic morbidities. We recommend a system in place for early identification and referral to initiate an early intervention program which goes a long way toward improving the quality of life in these children.
