Purpose
To establish an open globe registry in South Texas, an area with a prevalent Hispanic population, that would provide a local database for comparison to national data and allow for research as well as quality improvement in this unique patient population. Also, to create consistent documentation of eye injury data for effective communication between healthcare providers, patient counseling, and directing care.
Methods
This is a prospective database with patient enrollment, including children, at the time of injury or on follow-up visits at University Hospital of San Antonio, TX. Data is recorded in a secure, de-identified registry accessible online via REDCap™. Ocular findings and patient demographics recorded with a one year follow-up period. Initial trends and findings were analyzed over two months.
Results
With successful establishment and implementation of the registry, in a two month period, there were a total of 8 open globe injuries at University Hospital in San Antonio, TX. A significant number of patients were males, 7 out of 8 (87.5%), with 5 out of 7 (71.4%) ages ranging from 11 to 32 years old. Overall, 4 out of 8 (50%) patients were children under 18 years of age. Half of the patients self-reported to be Hispanic. Only one injury was work related, and the remainder occurred at home or during leisurely activities. Assault noted in one patient during an intoxicated state, and 7 out of 8 (87.5%) injuries were accidental. None of the globes were perforating injuries. Penetrating full thickness corneoscleral lacerations occurred in 6 out of 8 (75%) patients. BCVA of HM or worse was recorded in 7 out of 8 (87.5%) patients. On follow-up, 50% of patients had improvement in vision from presentation. However, only 2 patients (25%) had BCVA ≥ 20/200 one month post surgery.
Conclusions
Based on the initial data analysis, open globe injuries occurred mostly in young males. Almost all of these injuries were accidental and occurred at home or during leisurely activities. These trends are comparable to the national data. On the other hand, our results demonstrate a greater proportion of open globe injuries in children and a significant Hispanic population. Long-term follow-up and increased patient enrollment will determine if these trends continue. Some of the challenges and limitations will include variation in findings due to different examiners and patient follow-up with physicians outside of the University system.
Keywords: 742 trauma •
462 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications •
463 clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence