Manoj S, Sameer I*, Sruthi P S and Pasupuleti Venkata Sarath Babu

Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

*Corresponding Author: Sameer I, Department of Vitreo-Retinal Service, Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Received: November 04, 2022; Published: November 09, 2022

Abstract

Background: HIV is a multisystem disorder causing a wide spectrum of diseases. Ocular manifestations which occur in 70-80% of HIV patients may be the initial presentation of a systemic infection in an asymptomatic patient. HIV-related ocular symptoms can vary depending on CD₄+ T lymphocyte levels. 

Aim: To analyze the retinal manifestations of HIV/AIDS patients and to evaluate its association with CD₄ cell counts.

Material and Methods: HIV patients with CD₄T cell count < 200 cells/mm³ and WHO stage 4 disease irrespective of CD₄ cell count were included in the study. Detailed history and ocular examination were undertaken along with systemic evaluation. 

Observations: Out of total 306 patients examined, 86 (28%) had retinal manifestations. Majority of patients belonged to age group 20-40 yrs (69%). Most common retinal manifestations were HIV retinopathy (19%), then CMV retinitis (6%). Retinal manifestations were more among those with CD₄ count < 50 cells/mm³. In HIV positive patients with retinal manifestations, HIV retinopathy seen as comparatively early manifestation, while CMV retinitis seen as a late manifestation. There is increased risk for CMV retinitis in those with CD₄ cell count <50 cells/mm³ which is statistically significant with p value <0.0001. HIV retinopathy is seen more in those with CD₄ cell count between 50-200 cell/mm³ (26%) and this is statistically significant with p value < 0.045

Conclusion: Most common retinal manifestations in AIDS patients were HIV retinopathy and CMV retinitis, which has an inverse association with CD₄ cell count of the patient. Our study highlights the importance of ophthalmological examination in HIV patients especially with low CD₄ count, which can help in early diagnosis and management, which will considerably decrease the visual morbidity in such patients.

Keywords: HIV Infection; AIDS; Ocular Manifestations; HIV Retinopathy; CMV Retinitis

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Citation

Citation: , Sameer I., et al. “Retinal Manifestations in Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome: A Clinical Study and their Relationship to CD₄ Cell Count".Acta Scientific Ophthalmology 5.12 (2022): 11-16.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2022 , Sameer I., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.