Harding et al evaluated retinal hemorrhage in pediatric patients with malaria. The extent of retinal hemorrhages may correlate with morbidity and mortality. The authors are from St. Paul’s Eye UYnit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Parameters:
(1) total number of retinal hemorrhages
(2) number of hemorrhages with white centers
(3) proportion of retina observed
(4) number of large hemorrhages or those extending into the vitreous cavity
percent of hemorrhages with white centers =
= (hemorrhages with white centers) / (total number of hemorrhages) * 100%
It may be difficult to examine the entire retina of a child. An estimate of the total number of hemorrhages present can be calculated as:
estimated number of retinal hemorrhages =
= (total number of hemorrhages) / (decimal fraction of retina examined)
Interpretation:
• An increasing frequency of hemorrhages is a risk factor for mortality.
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