Growth Failure In Children With Primary Congenital Glaucoma – A Retrospective Cross- Sectional Study

Primary congenital glaucoma is a common form of pediatric glaucoma. In our practice,

in a tertiary eye care hospital, we have observed that many children with primary

congenital glaucoma (PCG) seem to have short stature. This preliminary study

explored whether children with PCG have evidence of growth failure.

A retrospective chart review

A retrospective chart review of children with PCG was performed in children (mean age

41.1 ± 18.9 months) who presented to our tertiary eye care center from January 2014

to December 2020 was performed. We extracted their baseline characteristics, heights

and weights of children. These metrics were plotted on standard height / weight charts.

Z-scores for height and weight were also calculated. Using Z-scores, children were

classified as ‘moderately’ or ‘severely’ growth stunted (for height) and ‘moderately’ and

‘severely’ underweight

This pilot study included 93 patients with PCG, 43 (46.2%) males and 50 (53.8%)

females. Forty-three (46.2%) children had evidence of moderate or severe stunting (Z-

score <-2), with a roughly equal distribution by sex. Twenty-seven children (29.03%)

had evidence of severe stunting (Z-score <-3). Despite growth stunting, children

tended not to be underweight: only six children (6.4%) were moderately or severely

underweight.

Our study suggests that children with PCG may be of shorter stature, but of normal

weight for age. These findings warrant further evaluation in a larger detailed

prospective study.