Clinical Outcome and Factors Predictive of Outcome of Nasolacrimal Duct Probing for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Younger and Older Children Performed at a Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in Western India

ABSTRACT

2-6 % of full term newborn children manifest symptoms of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The most frequent presentation is tearing associated with mattering of the eyelashes and recurrent infection. We designed a study to compare the success rate of nasolacrimal duct probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in younger and older children seen at our western regional institute of ophthalmology. Probing under general anaesthesia was done in a cohort of children presenting with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction . The demography ,clinical presentation, management and outcome of the cases were documented. Factors associated with success of the procedure were documented. Aim: The aim of the study was to document the clinical outcome and factors predictive of success of nasolacrimal duct probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in younger and older children seen at our Western Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in India. Methods: The study was carried out at our Western Regional Institute of Ophthalmology. The study period was July 2018 to May 2019 . The study was a prospective interventional outcome study in an institutional cohort. Probing was reserved for patients with recurrent infection or acute dacryocystitis in children between 6 months to 9 months of age . Initial probing was the treatment of choice for children between one year and three years as well as older children above three years upto twelve years. Probing was performed under general anaesthesia. Patients were followed at 1 week, 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after the procedure. Outcome was defined as resolution of symptoms and signs of nasolacrimal duct obstruction as observed by the ophthalmologist as well as reported by the parents within 3 weeks of the procedure and continued remission for 6 months post procedure. Probing was done twice before the procedure was declared a failure. Statistical Analysis: Student t test and chi square test was used for statistical analysis . p<0.05 was taken as significant. The Fischer exact test was used to calculate the chi square value. Results: 25 eyes of 18 children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were subjected to probing during the time of the study. The age range was six months to eleven years. The overall success rate was 16/25(64%). The success rate for children less than or equal to three years was 8/9 (89%).The success rate in the age group three years to less than or equal to seven years was 7/12 (58.3%) . The success rate dropped to 25% (1/4) for children more than seven years of age. The success rate of nasolacrimal duct probing was observed to reduce with increasing age of the child. Persistent dacryocystitis, firm obstruction on nasolacrimal duct probing and repeat probing were statistically significantly associated with the outcome of probing. The children with any of the above factors had a lower success rate of nasolacrimal duct probing. Conclusion: The results of our study are comparable to other studies reporting outcome and predictive factors of nasolacrimal duct probing in younger and older children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Children less than or equal to three years of age with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction could be successfully managed with nasolacrimal duct probing with great outcomes. Older children too had a reasonable outcome and age did not appear to be a significant factor affecting outcome. A firm obstruction on probing, persistent dacryocystitis and repeat procedure are significantly associated with the outcome of nasolacrimal duct probing. Conclusion: Children less than or equal to three years of age with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction can be successfully managed with nasolacrimal duct probing with great outcomes. Older children too had a reasonable outcome and age did not appear to be a significant factor affecting outcome. Thus in the light of the fact that probing is a safe and effective procedure , it appears logical to give a trial of initial nasolacrimal duct probing even to children older than three years. A firm obstruction on probing, persistent dacryocystitis and repeat procedure are significantly associated with the outcome of nasolacrimal duct probing.