International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discovery ISSN 2756-3812 Vol. 2 (5), pp. 001-005, May, 2011. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Retinoblastoma in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

¹Adio Adedayo Omobolanle, ²Komolafe Rhoda Dein.

¹Ophthalmology unit Dept. of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria.

²Eye clinic, University of Port Harcourt teaching Hospital, Rivers state, Nigeria.

Accepted 13 March, 2011

Abstract

Retinoblastoma is a challenge in Nigeria due to delay in presentation and poverty. Study of outcome will enable better advice on policy. Patients presenting at University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital eye clinic with clinical retinoblastoma between January 2000 and December 2009 were studied retrospectively. Clinical features, treatment offered response etc. International classification of Retinoblastoma of 2006 was used. Data analyzed with Epi-Info version 6.Twenty six eyes of 13 children. Mean age 3.17 yrs (SD+_0.64). Male-female ratio 1:1. Most parents were illiterate (96.2%).Over sixty percent (61.5%) delayed presentation till over 6 months. All were uniocular. Five had Group D and eight were group E type of retinoblastoma. Eight had leukocoria (61.5%).Two cases (15.4%) had extra ocular RB. Enucleation carried out in 46.2%. Four patients (30.8%) absconded when enucleation was suggested. Histology of 3 cases showed primitive undifferentiated type with areas of extensive necrosis. Five relapsed within 2 to 5 months. None had more than 2 cycles chemotherapy. None followed up for more than 36months post-enucleation. Treatment not completed in any subject. Poor prognostic factors include late presentation, delay in accepting treatment options, indigence and low parental education. Awareness campaigns and early case finding by community health officers is necessary.

Key words: Retinoblastoma, Chemotherapy, Enucleation, Histology, Illiteracy, Case finding, Nigeria.