The Frequency of Signs of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Children with Epidermolysis Bullosa.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in children with epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

DESIGN

Hospital-based cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred five children with different forms of EB.

METHODS

Prospective ophthalmic examination of children with EB presenting over seventeen months including meibomian gland assessment using a recognized classification.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of MGD.

RESULTS

One hundred five children were recruited, 8.6% with junctional EB, 34.3% with simplex EB, 34.3% with autosomal recessive dystrophic EB, and 22.9% autosomal dominant dystrophic EB. Mean age was 7.42 years (range, 0.08-17.75 years). Ninety-two children (87.62%) demonstrated 1 or more features of MGD.

CONCLUSIONS

Most children with EB exhibit signs of MGD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first prospective ocular surface evaluation in children with EB to include lid margin evaluation using a recognized classification system. Our findings help explain some of the ocular surface anomalies seen in children with EB.