Septo-Optic Dysplasia among Children in Central Brooklyn

Background: Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a rare condition characterized by midline brain abnormalities, optic nerve hypoplasia and hypothalamic-pituitary deficiencies. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis. Genetic abnormalities are identified in only one percent of patients. Objective: To describe varied clinical spectrum of SOD among five children from different ethnicities living within the same geographical area and to review and identify common maternal and perinatal factors among them. Method: Retrospective chart review. Conclusion: Five patients were diagnosed with SOD over a period of fifteen months. Patients had varied clinical spectrum but shared common maternal and perinatal factors. SOD is more common in young primigravida mothers and in firstborn appropriate for gestational age children. Central Brooklyn is a region with high population density. Not all patients had pituitary insufficiency at presentation. Early diagnosis of this condition should decrease the disease related morbidity and mortality.