Recurrent pterygium in Bintulu, Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo): determining its risk factors

Introduction: Pterygium may give rise to astigmatism in addition to causing blindness in advanced stages, reflecting the importance of timely surgical intervention. Despite various operative approaches, the recurrence rate continues to range from 2% to 89%. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the risk factors influencing recurrence to improve therapeutic strategies. Purpose: To determine the risk factors of pterygium recurrence among the multiethnic cohort of patients in Bintulu, Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo). Study design: Retrospective cohort. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in Bintulu Hospital, Sarawak and involved patients who underwent pterygium excision with conjunctival autografting between April 1, 2016 and May 31, 2019. Patients completed at least a year of follow-up for recurrence detection. Collected data included presence of recurrence, sociodemographics, outdoor activities, habits, first-degree family history, pterygium type and location, as well as laterality. Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression analysis were used. Results: A total of 161 eyes that underwent pterygium excision in 137 patients were identified. Percentage of recurrence was 42%. Mean age during excision was 59.3 ± 11.5 years; age group showed no significance in pterygium recurrence (p = 0.447). Male gender showed statistical significance (p = 0.045, OR 1.90, CI 1.01, 3.58) in chi-squared test but not in logistic regression. Ethnicity, marital status, income, and education level showed no association with recurrence (p > 0.05). Anatomic factors like location (p = 0.353) and laterality (p = 0.955) also showed no association. Smoking (p = 0.867) and alcohol intake (p = 0.397) were insignificant, similar to first-degree family history (p = 0.137). Activities involving sun exposure (p < 0.001, OR 18.34, 95% CI 5.59, 60.17) and recurrent pterygium type (p = 0.001, OR 7.40, 95% CI 1.81, 30.21) supported a positive association with recurrence. Medication adherence (p < 0.001, OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.07, 12.21) and the use of sun protection (p < 0.001, OR 7.90, 95% CI 3.25, 19.19) showed a statistically significant decrease in recurrence. Conclusion: Activities involving sun exposure, use of sun protection, medication adherence, and recurrent pterygium type have shown to be statistically significant in influencing pterygium recurrence.