Alhazmi Asma, Alsomali Abdulaziz, Algarni Saad, Althumairi Arwa
Department of Ophthalmology, Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi J Ophthalmol. 2024 Sep 27;38(3):261-267. doi: 10.4103/sjopt.sjopt_169_24. eCollection 2024 Jul-Sep.
This study investigates pediatric keratoconus in a tertiary eye hospital in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, aiming to understand the presenting features and treatment outcomes in this high-prevalence region. The research addresses pediatric keratoconus clinical profile and management strategies.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2022 to 2023, reviewing medical records of pediatric keratoconus patients. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, risk factors, presenting symptoms, and treatment outcomes were recorded. Severity staging was performed based on Amsler-Krumeich's classification.
The study included 218 eyes from 109 pediatric keratoconus patients, with 65% of male and 35% of female patients. Decreased vision was the most common symptom (92%), and risk factors included a family history of keratoconus (9%) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (6%). Stage 1 was the most frequent in both age groups (<14 years and ≥ 14 years). Treatment strategies included corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL), hard contact lenses, corneal rings, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DLK), and penetrating keratoplasty. Significant improvements were observed in visual acuity, refractive errors, and tomographic parameters following these interventions.
This study provides valuable insights into pediatric keratoconus in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and interventions for better outcomes. Larger, multicenter prospective studies are essential for a comprehensive understanding of pediatric keratoconus and its optimal management. The findings contribute to the knowledge base and guide future research to improve patient quality of life.
本研究调查沙特阿拉伯东部省份一家三级眼科医院的儿童圆锥角膜情况，旨在了解这一高患病率地区的临床表现特征和治疗效果。该研究探讨了儿童圆锥角膜的临床概况和管理策略。
进行了一项回顾性队列研究，时间跨度为2022年至2023年，回顾儿童圆锥角膜患者的病历。记录人口统计学数据、临床特征、危险因素、就诊症状和治疗效果。根据阿姆斯勒 - 克鲁梅希分类法进行严重程度分期。
该研究纳入了109例儿童圆锥角膜患者的218只眼，其中男性患者占65%，女性患者占35%。视力下降是最常见的症状（92%），危险因素包括圆锥角膜家族史（9%）和春季角结膜炎（6%）。1期在两个年龄组（<14岁和≥14岁）中最为常见。治疗策略包括角膜胶原交联（CXL）、硬性角膜接触镜、角膜环、深板层角膜移植术（DLK）和穿透性角膜移植术。这些干预措施后，视力、屈光不正和断层扫描参数均有显著改善。
本研究为沙特阿拉伯的儿童圆锥角膜提供了有价值的见解，强调了早期诊断和干预以获得更好治疗效果的重要性。更大规模的多中心前瞻性研究对于全面了解儿童圆锥角膜及其最佳管理至关重要。这些发现有助于丰富知识库并指导未来研究以改善患者生活质量。
