ELECTRORETINOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATION OF UNA NESTHETIZED YOUNG-CHILDREN

Background The electroretinogram (ERG) ist an important examination me thod for the evaluation of retinal dysfunction in children. However it is often difficult and sometimes almost impossible to examine especia lly younger children with usual methods. Because of its risks, general anesthesia is rarely used. Methodes ERG examinations were performed w ithout general anesthesia or sedation with DTL (Dawson-Trick-Litzkow) electrodes. These are conjunctival electrodes made of thin microfibers . Several additional modifications of the standard examination techniq ue were utilized, which enabled us to examine children of almost any a ge. 10 voluntiers and 34 children between 6 month and 9 years of age w ere examined. Results 62 eyes of 34 children were evaluated. The diagn ostic problem could be solved in three quarters of the patients with t he ERG. Conclusion With the DTL electrode and some methodical changes in the standard ERG technique it is possible to perform ERG's in littl e children without anesthesia or sedation. This methode can be applied in children over 2 years of age. Below this age an sedation of any ki nd is nesessary.