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PATTERN, RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOME OF OCULAR TRAUMA IN CHILDREN TREATED AT SOHAG UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Purpose: To assess the pattern, risk factors and outcome of ocular trauma in children treated at Sohag University Hospital. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted to provide an epidemiological data. This study included all children admitted to the Ophthalmology Department, via the Emergency Department, at Sohag University Hospital, in the period between May 2010 and April 2011 with ocular trauma. Patients were analyzed with respect to: (1) demographics, (2) time, place and nature of trauma, (3) type of injury, (4) Interval between trauma and start of treatment, (5) management and (6) visual outcomes following repair. Results: Sixty children with ocular injuries presented to the ER, at Sohag University Hospital, between May 2010 and April 2011 were included; 35 cases (58.3%) were males and 25 cases (41.7%) were females. There was a higher incidence among children from urban areas (40 cases, 66.7%) than those from rural areas (22 cases, 33.3%). The majority of patients (46 cases; 76.7%) came to the hospital within 24 hours of their trauma; 9 cases (15%) showed a delay of more than 24 hours, and 5cases (8.3%) showed a delay of more than 1 week, who had a higher rates of complications. The most common cause of ocular Trauma in children in this study was injury by sharp objects accounted for 27 cases (45%), followed by blunt trauma 10 cases (16.7%), then trauma by stones 8 cases (13.3%), trauma by a plant object 7 cases (11.7%), falling on the face 5 cases (8.3%), and trauma by woody objects 3 cases (5%). The Post traumatic Complications included traumatic cataract (26 cases, 43.3%), retinal detachment (4 cases, 6.7%), aphakia (6 cases, 10%), atrophia bulbi (7 cases, 11.7%), endophthalmitis (2 cases, 3.3%), and blood stained cornea (3 cases, 5%). Conclusion: Ocular injuries in children may result in severe visual impairment which can affect the future of these children. The earlier the presentation to the hospital, the better the visual prognosis. The author recommends establishment of educational programs to teach the first aid treatment measures to nurses working in primary health centers, teachers, and general population. Fortunately, most pediatric ocular trauma is preventable by simple measures. Increased literacy and health awareness is vital.