Association of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thinning with visual function in pediatric papilledema

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuro-ophthalmology
• Pediatric Neurology

Background:

• Papilledema, often caused by increased intracranial pressure, can lead to vision loss in children.
• The macula ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCT) is a key indicator of retinal health.
• Understanding the relationship between GCT and visual outcomes in pediatric papilledema is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between macula ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (GCT) and visual loss in pediatric patients diagnosed with papilledema.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for pediatric patients (<18 years) with papilledema from 2012-2022.
• Data collected included demographics, lumbar puncture opening pressure, etiology, visual acuity, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and GCT.
• Comparison of clinical characteristics between patients with and without visual loss.

Main Results:

• A total of 80 patients (160 eyes) were analyzed; 14% experienced visual loss.
• Patients with visual loss had higher lumbar puncture opening pressure and initial RNFL thickness.
• Significantly reduced final mean and minimum GCT were observed in eyes with visual loss compared to those without.

Conclusions:

• Final macula ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (GCT) is significantly diminished in pediatric patients with papilledema who experience visual loss.
• GCT may serve as a valuable biomarker for monitoring visual function in children with papilledema.