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Congenital cataract screening in maternity wards is effective: evaluation of the P aediatric C ataract R egister of S weden
Author(s) -
Magnusson Gunilla,
Bizjajeva Svetlana,
Haargaard Birgitte,
Lundström Mats,
Nyström Alf,
Tornqvist Kristina
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.12111
Subject(s) - medicine , referral , pediatrics , retrospective cohort study , prospective cohort study , family medicine
Aim To study which eye‐screening protocol prevails in Swedish maternity/neonatal wards, evaluate efficacy in a prospective study and compare results with earlier Swedish retrospective results. Methods Surveys were sent in 2006 to maternity/neonatal and women's health departments regarding screening policy. Response frequency was 96% (122/127). Data were derived from the Paediatric Cataract Register ( PECARE ), Sweden. All Swedish children diagnosed with congenital cataract and operated on before 1 year of age between January 2007 and December 2009 were included. Statistical comparison with earlier retrospective results was performed. Results Eye screening is a routine protocol at a rate of 90% of Swedish maternity wards. Sixty‐one children were included in the study. An increase was shown in case referrals from maternity wards compared to 10 years ago (64% vs. 50%). Detection was performed within 6 weeks of age in 75% of the cases. A significant difference between the probabilities of early referral (0.38; p < 0.001, < 6 weeks of age) and early surgery (0.36; p < 0.001) ( PECARE ) was found in comparison with the historical data of no maternity‐ward screening. Well‐baby clinics were instrumental in early detection, as well. Conclusion Eye screening in maternity wards is effective. Clear Swedish directives are to be preferred.