[Simplified electroretinography protocol and diagnosis of retinal dystrophies in children].

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To report results of a simplified electroretinogram in children.

PATIENTS:

124 children under 6 years of age with nystagmus, blindness, neurological disease, cone rod dystrophy in the family, or abnormal fundus appearance were examined.

METHOD:

The electroretinogram was recorded by corneal electrodes in an awake state without sedation. A light-emitting orange diode stimulator was used. Stimulation was performed subsequently after 3 minutes of light adaptation and after 8 minutes of darkness. If the electroretinogram was abnormal, a second recording was done a few weeks later using the same method. In some cases, the children were re-examined, and a ganzfeld stimulation ERG was recorded.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

This method allowed a reliable diagnosis of photoreceptor dystrophy: Leber's congenital amaurosis with or without rare metabolic diseases, X link pigmentary retinopathy or retinal dystrophy with general disease in children. It helped to differentiate isolated retinal pigment changes with normal electroretinogram from functional retinal impairment and rod-cone dystrophy from other retinal dystrophies.

• Authors: S D Dhellemmes, F Vincent, C Arndt, I B Drumare, J C Hache
• Journal: Journal francais d'ophtalmologie (J Fr Ophtalmol) Vol. 22 Issue 3 Pg. 383-7 (Apr 1999) ISSN: 0181-5512 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Protocole simplifié d'électrorétinographie et diagnostic des dystrophies rétiniennes de l'enfant.
• PMID: 10337598 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adaptation, Ocular
• Age Factors
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Clinical Protocols
• Electroretinography (instrumentation, methods)
• Humans
• Infant
• Reproducibility of Results
• Retinal Degeneration (classification, diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)
• Retrospective Studies
• Time Factors