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Utility of systematic ophthalmological screening in congenital toxoplasmosis: Epidemiological study of a French cohort between 1990 and 2011
Author(s) -
SAUER A,
CANDOLFI E,
ESCANDE B,
SPEEGSCHATZ C,
SUBILIAGUIGNIER A
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2013.3657.x
Subject(s) - medicine , toxoplasmosis , pediatrics , congenital toxoplasmosis , cohort , fundus (uterus) , chorioretinitis , pregnancy , anxiety , cohort study , disease , epidemiology , toxoplasma gondii , surgery , ophthalmology , pathology , psychiatry , immunology , genetics , biology , antibody
Abstract Purpose Ophthalmologic complications of congenital toxoplasmosis, such as retino‐choroiditis, are particularly feared. Any child with confirmed congenital toxoplasmosis is treated and regularly followed with many fundus examinations. The aim of our study is to describe the management and monitoring of a cohort of patients with congenital toxoplasmosis in Alsace, and the impact of this disease in terms of parental anxiety using a standardized questionnaire. Methods Our study recorded 35 children with congenital toxoplasmosis, born between 1990 and 2011 in Alsace. All patients were followed by an ophthalmologist. A standardized questionnaire concerning the experience of pregnancy and post‐natal follow up were submitted to parents. Results At birth, a retinochoroiditis was detected in 2 children, and only one child developed the disease during routine monitoring. Brain abnormalities were noted in 3 children at birth, none of them presented with retinochoroiditis to this day. An average score of 15 out of 23 was found by our standardized questionnaire, reflecting significant anxiety due to congenital toxoplasmosis. Conclusion Parental anxiety due to congenital toxoplasmosis is obvious. A directed follow‐up by a complete pediatric examination at birth, including eye fundus, and good information on functional signs of ocular toxoplasmosis may improve the screening without impact on visual function.