SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AFFECTING PRESENTATION IN PEDIATRIC RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: Evaluate impact of sociodemographic factors with visual acuity (VA) and macula status at presentation in pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and with single surgery anatomic success (SSAS), postoperative VA, and 1-year lost to follow-up (LTFU).

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients <18 years who presented with RRD between 2015 and 2024. Data on demographics (age, gender, race, ethnicity), area deprivation index, insurance status, rurality of residence, and travel time to clinic were recorded. Visual acuity was recorded at presentation and 12-month postoperative visit. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship of sociodemographic factors with macula status at presentation, presenting VA, SSAS, 12-month postoperative VA, and LTFU.

RESULTS

Of the 229 pediatric patients who presented with RRD, 33.6% (N = 77/229) were macula-on at presentation. The mean (± SD) patient age was 12.9 (±4.1) years and 58% were male. On multivariable analysis, older age (OR 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.28, P < 0.001) was the only factor predictive of macula-on status at presentation. Females (OR 2.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-4.56, P = 0.02) versus males were more likely to have better vision (VA 20/40 or better) at presentation. The SSAS was 85.9%, and macula-off status at presentation (OR 4.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.21-16.46; P = 0.02) was associated with increased likelihood of needing reoperation. The 1-year LTFU rate was 46%, with insured status associated with decreased odds of LTFU.

CONCLUSION

Older age and female gender were associated with more favorable presentation among pediatric RRDs and insurance status influenced LTFU. Area deprivation index and travel time did not influence presentation or postoperative outcomes in pediatric RRDs.