Evaluation of factors causing congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and their effects on probing success

Abstract

Aim: To determine the etiological and demographic characteristics of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and to evaluate the effectiveness of probing. Methods: The study included 33 children who applied to the clinic with epiphora, were diagnosed with CNLDO and underwent probing, and 27 healthy children. Age, gender, probing time, recurrence, accompanying anomalies, and hemogram values were recorded from their records, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated. The term "successful probing" refers to achieving complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of epiphora 1 year after treatment. Results: The mean age at the time of surgery of 33 patients who underwent probing (16 F, 17 M) was 18.42±7.85 months, while the mean age of the 27 controls (10 F, 17 M) was 22.30± 9.98 months (p=0.108). Platelet levels were significantly lower (p=0.014) and monocyte levels were significantly higher (p=0.012) in the CNLDO group. While there were no significant differences in SII, NLR, and PLR values, the MLR value was significantly higher in the CNLDO group (p=0.026). Recurrence was detected in four patients (12.2%). In the CNLDO group, three patients had undescended testicles, one patient had an inguinal hernia, and one patient had a cleft palate. No significant difference was found between probing time and systemic inflammatory markers and recurrence (for all values p> 0.05). Conclusion: Platelet, monocyte levels, and MLR ratio were closely associated with CNLDO. Additional anomalies may accompany CNLDO. Successful results can be obtained with probing in the following months.