Prognostic value of the ocular trauma score in open globe injury in South Bronx population: a three-year retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction
Patients in the South Bronx represent a unique cultural and socio-economic population. Studies have shown the negative effects of health disparities on these patients. This study investigates the prognostic value of the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) for open globe injuries in this patient population.
Methods
This is a retrospective, observational study of two hospital systems in South Bronx. Medical charts were reviewed of patients with open globe injures from 6/1/2021 to 3/13/2023 with at least one week of follow-up after surgery. The following data were collected: age, sex, type of injury, presenting visual acuity (VA), presence of globe rupture, perforation, endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, afferent pupillary defect, and final VA. The OTS was calculated from the data at presentation. Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the strength of relationship between OTS score and final VA.
Results
A total of 17 patients were included. All 17 patients were present at one-week postoperative visit, but 10 patients were lost to follow-up at the 6-month postoperative visit (58.8% follow-up loss rate). Of the 8 patients that presented with OTS score of 1 or 2, 87.5% (7/8) had a final visual acuity of HM or worse. Of the remaining 10 patients that presented with OTS score of 3 or better, 70% (7/10) had a final visual acuity of 20/200 or better. Linear regression analysis found that the OTS score is a statistically significant predictor of final VA (R² = 0.737; P < 0.001, ANOVA).
Conclusions
While OTS’s prognostic value may be incorporated to provide medical guidance to patients in preoperative or early postoperative period, this study also highlights the presence of other challenges that hinder the care of patients in South Bronx. Further studies are needed to evaluate and address these barriers to optimize visual rehabilitation after open globe injuries in this population.