ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC EVALUATION ACCORDING T O ISCEV STANDARDS IN INFANTS LESS-THAN 10 YEARS OF AGE

Purpose: To analyze the value of electrophysiologic testing according to standards of the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiolo gy of Vision (ISCEV) in infants less than 10 years of age. Patients an d methods: In 64 infants less than 10 years, the results from of age e lectroretinograms (n = 47), visual evoked potentials (n = 30), or elec tro-oculograms (n = 1)were recorded. Twenty-nine infants were less tha n 6 years of age, and 17 infants were less than 3 years of age. Indica tions for examination were unexplained visual loss in 54 infants and f amilial hereditary retinal dystrophies in ten infants. Sedation with c hloral hydrate was performed in seven children. Results: In 40/64 infa nts (62 %), the results of electrophysiologic examination were patholo gic. In 29 infants visual loss was due to retinochoroidal dystrophies, and in 11 infants it was due to disturbances in the optic pathway. In 7/64, infants the suspected retinochoroidal dystrophy could be exclud ed. Therefore electrophysiologic testing was diagnostically accurate i n 47/64 (73 %) of cases. Conclusion: Electrophysiologic testing accord ing to ISCEV standards can be reliably performed in infants less than 10 years of age. When the indication for electrophysiologic testing is made following meticulous ophthalmologic examination, diagnostic accu racy is given in at least 73 % of cases.