Retinoblastoma patients treated in Sri Lanka from 2014 to 2020: epidemiology, clinical status and correlates of lag time in seeking tertiary care services

Abstract

Abstract Background Retinoblastoma (RB) is a tumour of children 4 weeks for first tertiary care visit. Results were expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results LRH survey ( N = 171): Median age at diagnosis was 15 months (range 1–94 months; IQR: 8–27); 89 (52%) were females. Groups D and E tumours were 25.7% (n = 44) and 62.6% (n = 107) respectively with 121 (71%) enucleations. The number of deaths were 2 (1.2%). Telephone survey ( N = 90): Proportion with LT of > 4 weeks for first tertiary care visit was 58% (n = 52). None of the putative risk factors (ethnicity, parental educational level, socioeconomic status, distance from residence to tertiary care unit and receiving financial assistance) were associated with LT in both analyses. Conclusion Despite a high proportion with groups D and E tumours and enucleations, mortality rate was low, most likely due to availability of designated tertiary care. No correlates for LT of > 4 weeks for tertiary care presentation were identified. Early RB detection needs rigorous implementation of screening strategies and increased awareness among primary care health workers and parents.

Keywords

• Retinoblastoma
• Staging
• Mortality
• Early screening for RB
• Lag time for tertiary care