Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Papilledema, characterized by optic disc swelling due to increased intra cranial pressure, poses a significant risk of irreversible visual impairment if not promptly diagnosed and managed. Its etiology spans idiopathic intra cranial hypertension (IIH) to serious intra cranial pathologies like tumors, hemorrhages infections. This study aims to comprehensively assess the prevalence and characteristics of papilledema in a clinical setting, explore its association with demographic and clinical factors analyze visual outcomes and complications over a specified follow‐up period. This cross‐sectional study included 74 patients diagnosed with papilledema, recruited from a tertiary care hospital over 12 months. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 10 years and above, diagnosed with papilledema based on clinical and radiological assessments willing to provide informed consent. Data were collected from patient medical records and interviews, documenting demographic and clinical characteristics, visual outcomes complications. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi‐square tests. The study population comprised 74 patients, with a higher prevalence in young adults aged 20‐39 years (37.8%) and a slight female predominance (54.1%). Bilateral papilledema was observed in 81.1% of cases, with headaches (74.3%) and visual disturbances (64.9%) as common symptoms. Over half of the patients (54.1%) retained normal vision, while 45.9% experienced varying degrees of vision loss. Complications included vision loss (45.9%), persistent headaches (29.7%), increased intra cranial pressure (24.3%), optic atrophy (13.5%) and retinal detachment (2.7%). This study highlights the prevalence and clinical characteristics of papilledema, emphasizing the need for early detection and targeted management to prevent adverse visual outcomes. Healthcare providers should be trained to recognize early signs and symptoms of papilledema and a multi disciplinary approach involving neurologists, ophthalmologists radiologists is essential for comprehensive care. Further research is recommended to better understand the underlying causes and develop standardized treatment protocols.
How to cite this article:
R. Jeyanthi, S. Veeralakshmanan, Biju Gopal, R. Hannah Shiny and Mathew Tony. Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Papilledema in A Tertiary Care Hospital.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.1.307.312
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.1.307.312