Epidemiological pattern of retinoblastoma at the Philippine General Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical patterns of retinoblastoma in a tertiary government hospital.

Methods: This is a retrospective case series of new retinoblastoma patients seen at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) in three periods: 1967 to 1977, 1985 to 1995, and 1997 to 2001. The demographic and clinical characteristics of retinoblastoma over the three periods were compared.

Results: The incidence of retinoblastoma increased from 40/100,000 new cases in 1967 to 1977 to 237/100,000 new cases in 1997 to 2001. The average age at onset did not change over time but the age at consultation decreased from 1.5 years to 1 year. The most common initial ocular manifestation at onset was cat’s eye reflex (77 to 79%) with findings of leukocoria (67 to 77%). Extraocular findings of proptosis and orbital mass declined through the years. Bilateral retinoblastoma comprised 30% in this series and showed no change in distribution over the years.

Conclusion: The epidemiological and clinical patterns of retinoblastoma cases at the Philippine General Hospital may be changing over time and requires continuous monitoring of incidence and characteristics.