[Pediatric cataract: Epidemiological, etiological, clinical and therapeutic features at the Yaounde gyneco-obstetrics and pediatric hospital]

INTRODUCTION

The number of blind children in the world is approximately 1.5 million, a large proportion of which is attributable to congenital cataracts. Our goal is to describe the epidemiological, etiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of childhood cataracts at the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetrics and Pediatric Hospital (YGOPH).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective, descriptive study of cataracts diagnosed in children under 16 years of age from January 2010 to December 2017. Variables analyzed were age, sex, reason for consultation, laterality and duration of symptoms, type of cataract and treatment administered.

RESULTS

We collected 82 patient records. The sex ratio was 1.56. The most frequent age group was 0-4 years at 42.5% (34), and the mean age was 6.6 years (1 day-15 years). The main reasons for consultation were decreased visual acuity in 46.3% (37) and leukocoria in 37.5% (30). Cataracts were unilateral in 72% (59) of the cases. The most common onset of the cataracts was congenital (40.8%) (31), and traumatic cataracts accounted for 27.6% (21). Mature white cataracts accounted for 39% (32), predominantly congenital etiologies in 41.5% (34). Cataract surgery was performed in 33 eyes. Small incision cataract surgery was the most common technique at 51.5% (17).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric cataracts are relatively rare. Identification of risk factors may help decrease their incidence.

[Tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis (vernal conjunctivitis) in northern Cameroon]

INTRODUCTION

A retrospective study was conducted in the ophthalmology unit of the Garoua regional hospital on children examined from January 2001 to December 2007. We aimed to determine the epidemiological aspects of tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis in northern Cameroon. Included were all the files of patients aged 0-15 years seen with a positive diagnosis of tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis. The data analyzed were obtained through inspection, interview, and a comprehensive ocular exam done for every case, assessing far visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and funduscopy when possible. The variables analyzed were age, sex, signs and symptoms, residential area, associated pathologies, and the month and the year of the diagnosis. The data were analyzed with Epi-Info, version 6.04d (French) and the results compared with the Chi(2) test with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

A total of 6453 children were included: 2036 had a positive diagnosis of tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis, with a frequency of 31.55%. The mean age was 6.5 years. The 1- to 4-year-old age group had the highest number of patients, with a frequency of 33.25%. There were 1120 males (55%). Itching was the most frequent complaint encountered in 60.90% of the patients. Ocular involvement was always bilateral. Tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis is an allergic conjunctivitis present throughout the year with two peaks in March and July.

DISCUSSION

Tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis can be considered an allergic conjunctivitis affecting boys more frequently than girls in warm and dry environments. It is frequent in children less than 5 years old and regresses with age.

CONCLUSION

Tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis is a tropical disease with an intertropical aspect.