The Swedish National Pediatric Cataract Register (Pecare): Coexisting Systemic Disorders 2007–2023
Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: FP20.01 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/y807-vk37
Authors: Noemi Guemes-Villahoz* 1 , Alfonso Miranda Sanchez 1 , Javier Garcia-Bardera 1 , Laura Morales-Fernandez 1 , Jose Maria Martinez-de-la-Casa 1 , Julian Garcia-Feijoo 1
1Ophthalmology,Hospital Clinico San Carlos,Madrid,Spain
Purpose
To analyse the frequency and type of coexisting systemic disorders in children operated for cataract in Sweden.
Setting
Retrospective registry study, data gathered from all eye clinics in Sweden.
Methods
Data were retrieved from the Swedish National Pediatric Cataract Register (PECARE) for children operated between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2023 (n=975), including follow-ups at age 1, 2, 5, and 10. Cataracts due to uveitis, trauma, or radiation, and lens extraction due to luxation were excluded. Genetic screening was not mandatory during this period.
Results
Of the 875 children who remained after exclusions, 467 (53.4%) had unilateral cataracts and 408 (46.6%) had bilateral cataracts. Defined or strongly suspected systemic disorders were found in 134 (15.3%); strongly suspected in 5/134 (3.7%), defined in 58/134 (43.2%), and undefined in 71/134 (53.0%). Overall, 18/875 (2.1%) were developmentally delayed without any systemic disorder diagnosis. Systemic disorder was present in 20/467 (4.3%) with unilateral cataracts and 114/408 (27.9%) with bilateral cataracts, 22/138 (15.9%) with bilateral inherited cataracts, and 11/32 (34.4%) with parental consanguinity.
Conclusions
Coexisting systemic disorders were present regardless of laterality, but more common among children with bilateral cataracts. Prevalence was similar among children with consanguineous parents, and lower among children with hereditary cataracts. National consensus regarding genetic screening for systemic disorders is needed.