Prevalence of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction and its related risk factors among newborns

Introduction: Lacrimal drainage system disorders are among the most common ocular disorders faced by physicians. The prevalence of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is different in various studies, and the role of such factors as maternal and neonatal demographic characteristics have not been completely investigated in CNLDO. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of CNLDO and its related factors in newborns in Sabzevar. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۵۴۱ newborns in Shahidan Mobini hospital, Sabzevar, Iran from January to February ۲۰۱۵ after obtaining informed consent from their parents. Data were collected by interviewing mothers, filling out checklists, and physical examination of the newborns. Data analysis was carried out in Stata software using a logistic regression test at a ۹۵% confidence interval. Results: The prevalence of CNLDO was ۲۲.۶%. Purulent ocular discharge was the most common symptom (۱۶.۸۲%). There was a significant relationship between the neonate’s head circumference and the incidence of CNLDO (P= ۰.۰۱); nonetheless, CNLDO in the newborns showed no significant association with weight, height, and Apgar score (P>۰.۰۵). Conclusion: Considering the significant prevalence of CNLDO in preterm and term neonates, as well as its variable prevalence rates reported in different studies and the absence of overlapping of various risk factors of such disorder, it is recommended to carry out more thorough studies from birth to ۱ year of age.