Retinoblastoma in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Retinoblastoma is a challenge in Nigeria due to delay in presentation and poverty. Study of outcome will enable 
better advice on policy. Patients presenting at University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital eye clinic with 
clinical retinoblastoma between January 2000 and December 2009 were studied retrospectively. Clinical 
features, treatment offered response etc. International classification of Retinoblastoma of 2006 was used. Data 
analyzed with Epi-Info version 6.Twenty six eyes of 13 children. Mean age 3.17 yrs (SD+_0.64). Male-female 
ratio 1:1. Most parents were illiterate (96.2%).Over sixty percent (61.5%) delayed presentation till over 6 months. 
All were uniocular. Five had Group D and eight were group E type of retinoblastoma. Eight had leukocoria 
(61.5%).Two cases (15.4%) had extra ocular RB. Enucleation carried out in 46.2%. Four patients (30.8%) 
absconded when enucleation was suggested. Histology of 3 cases showed primitive undifferentiated type with 
areas of extensive necrosis. Five relapsed within 2 to 5 months. None had more than 2 cycles chemotherapy. 
None followed up for more than 36months post-enucleation. Treatment not completed in any subject. Poor 
prognostic factors include late presentation, delay in accepting treatment options, indigence and low parental 
education. Awareness campaigns and early case finding by community health officers is necessary.