Risk factors for developing congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

ABSTRACT

To identify potential risk factors for developing congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction [CNLDO]. A cross-sectional study. A quantitative questionnaire was distributed to a sample of mothers attending the Pediatrics Clinic at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 756 mothers responded to our questionnaire. Of the 756 filled questionnaires, 389 [51.67%] were male children. 5.3% of the mothers lived in non-urban settings. CNLDO was reported in the children attending the clinic by 17.1% [129/756] of their mothers. Average age [ +/- SD] of infants when persistent tearing was noticed was 3.2 +/- 2.7 months, while average age [ +/- SD] of resolution was 9.6 +/- 3.7 months. Of the children with CNLDO, 37.2% [48/129] still have persistent tearing at the time of distributing the questionnaire. Among the group with CNLDO, 17% [22/129] of their mothers have experienced an infection during pregnancy [p = 0.022]. Within the same group, 14.7% [19/129] of the affected children were reported by their mothers to have other children with CNLDO which was statistically significant [p = <0.001]. CNLDO could have a genetic predisposition and maternal infection is a possible risk factor for developing CNLDO. Surgical management awareness should be emphasized to relieve children from this relatively common and benign condition