title: Epidemiological Characteristics of Retinoblastoma in Children Attending Almouassat University Hospital, Damascus, Syria, 2012-2016
abstract: Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a malignant tumor that originates from the developing retina. Diagnosis is based on clinical
  signs and symptoms and usually children under the age of five years are affected. Early diagnosis and treatment of Rb
  and non-ocular tumors can reduce morbidity and increase longevity. Treatment in the early stages may allow a good
  prognosis and salvage of visual function.The aim of this study is to present descriptive epidemiological aspects of
  retinoblastomas in children seen at Almouassat University Hospital (AUH) in Damascus, Syria from 1 January 2012 to
  31 October 2016In this retrospective, observational hospital survey, medical records of 37 retinoblastoma cases were
  reviewed. The male/female (M/F) ratio was 1.6. The most frequent presenting sign was leukocoria (56.7%) and 81%
  of cases were diagnosed between the ages of 4 months and 3 years. More than 73% of cases were diagnosed early at
  stages I and II.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Damascus University, Al Mouassat University Hospital, Damascus, Syria. Email:ophth.
  ahmadalhasan@gmail.com
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Al Hasan
authors.forename: Rashad
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Murad
authors.forename: Khaldoun
authors.initials: Kh
authors.lastname: Zaid
authors.forename: Jourjous
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Al Daoud
authors.forename: Khaled
authors.initials: Kh
authors.lastname: Zaid
keywords: Retinoblastoma; epidemiology; children; Syria