Outcomes of Vitreoretinal Complications Requiring Operation after Abusive Head Trauma

Abusive head trauma (AHT) can result in retinal complications that require operative intervention. There is no review evaluating the outcomes of vitreoretinal operations in aggregate or on the timing of vitreoretinal intervention. This systematic review aims to fill this knowledge gap. A literature search between 2011 and 2021 was performed with PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Included articles described outcomes of vitreoretinal operations after AHT either in aggregate or as individual cases. Nine articles met criteria; the direct outcomes of operations were collected to minimize bias. Visual acuity (VA) and anatomic outcomes were compared between patients who received operations within 4 weeks of diagnosis and those who had delayed intervention. This review found that vitreoretinal surgery after AHT has excellent anatomical success rates, but there is a trend toward improved VA outcomes when performed within 4 weeks of diagnosis. This highlights the importance of urgent referral to a pediatric retina surgeon for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and retinal tears after AHT.