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[Electroretinography study of unanesthetized young children]
A Eckstein1, S Eckstein, K Rüther
1Universitäts-Augenklinik Abt. II, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen.
Background:
The electroretinogram (ERG) ist an important examination method for the evaluation of retinal dysfunction in children. However it is often difficult and sometimes almost impossible to examine especially younger children with usual methods. Because of its risks, general anesthesia is rarely used.
Methods:
ERG examinations were performed without general anesthesia or sedation with DTL (Dawson-Trick-Litzkow) electrodes. These are conjunctival electrodes made of thin microfibers. Several additional modifications of the standard examination technique were utilized, which enabled us to examine children of almost any age. 10 volunteers and 34 children between 6 month and 9 years of age were examined.
Results:
62 eyes of 34 children were evaluated. The diagnostic problem could be solved in three quarters of the patients with the ERG.
Conclusion:
With the DTL electrode and some methodical changes in the standard ERG technique it is possible to perform ERG's in little children without anesthesia or sedation. This method can be applied in children over 2 years of age. Below this age an sedation of any kind is necessary.