Knowledge and awareness of the general population and healthcare providers about retinoblastoma: It is time to know the glow

The first retinoblastoma local experience in Kuwait: A retrospective case series

Background

To report the first series of retinoblastoma (RB) cases that were managed locally in Kuwait by the retinoblastoma team that was established during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Six cases with RB were included in this study. The ages ranged from 3 months to 2 years with a male to female ratio of 2:1. All cases presented with an abnormal pupillary reflex with or without strabismus. Examination findings mostly showed leukocoria and an intra-retinal mass with calcification with or without vitreous seeding. Most cases were unilateral except for one case, which had bilateral RB. International classification of RB staging ranged from group B to E. Multidisciplinary approach was followed to manage these cases by applying a well-set protocol created by the RB team. Each case was treated according to grade at presentation.

Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized the standard of care for RB in Kuwait and mandated the establishment of a multidisciplinary team to follow a standardized protocol to manage RB cases successfully.

Efficacy of ophthalmological curriculum in Kafrelsheikh University: awareness of retinoblastoma among medical students and fresh graduates.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2148750/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background: retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare inherited eye disease. Leukocoria is the first presenting sign of this disease. Early diagnosis is important to gain better life outcomes. We aim to assess Kafr Elsheikh university medical students' knowledge about retinoblastoma. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based questionnaire to collect data. We analyzed the data using the SPSS program. Results: we survived 235 medical students and graduates at Kafr Elsheikh university. Most participants (n=131, 55.7%) had sufficient knowledge about retinoblastoma, while 78 (33.2%) had poor knowledge. Only 26 (11.1%) had a proficient level. Almost all participants (99.6%) detected that the abnormal eye was due to disease. Nearly two-thirds (63%) thought that it was a life-threatening leukocoria. While (96.6%) knew that an ophthalmologist referral was the right thing to do. We found no significant differences between academic grades and test results (H= 1.093, P=.779). As well, no correlation was found between academic grades and results (r=.033, p=.086). Conclusion: Retinoblastoma is a fatal disease that needs attention in developing countries. Early detection of RB is the key to successful management with a higher survival rate. All healthcare providers, particularly those who have direct contact with children, should receive comprehensive education to improve their clinical screening skills.