gms | German Medical Science

102. Jahrestagung der DOG

Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft e. V.

23. bis 26.09.2004, Berlin

Complications in infants undergoing surgery for congenital cataract in the first 18 months of life

Meeting Abstract

  • corresponding author C. Kuhli - Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main
  • M. Lüchtenberg - Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main
  • F. Koch - Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main
  • T. Kohnen - Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main
  • L.-O. Hattenbach - Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main

Evidenzbasierte Medizin - Anspruch und Wirklichkeit. 102. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft. Berlin, 23.-26.09.2004. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2004. Doc04dogP 116

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/dog2004/04dog607.shtml

Published: September 22, 2004

© 2004 Kuhli et al.
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Outline

Text

Objective

Surgery for congenital cataracts in infancy usually includes primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy. Most of these children have aphakia after surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative complications in children treated for congenital cataract with aphakia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of records from 1996 to 2002 of infants who underwent surgery for congenital cataract within the first 18 months of life. 48 eyes of 32 children were involved with a mean follow-up of 35 months. Bilateral cataracts were present in 17 children (33 eyes operated) and monolateral cataracts in 15 children. A limbal approach phacoemulsification and anterior vitrectomy without intraocular lens implantation was performed in all children. Operative and postoperative complications - including hemorrhages, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and posterior capsule opacification - were recorded. Statistical analysis of differences between corresponding groups was performed by Chi2-test.

Results

Bilateral aphakic glaucoma developed in 5 eyes (10.4 %) and posterior capsule opacification developed in 3 eyes (6.25 %). The diagnosis of postoperativ hemorrhages was recorded in 8 eyes and 2 eyes developed retinal detachment Persistent fetal vasculature or persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) was present in 12 eyes (25 %). The diagnosis of postoperative hemorrhages was significantly associated with the presence of PHPV (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that postoperative hemorrhages are highly prevalent in pediatric cataract eyes with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. Therefore, ultrasonography should be part of the routine work-up prior to surgery in these patients.