Objective analysis of retinal function in HIV-positive children without retinitis using optical coherence tomography.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To assess the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in children with human immunodeficiency virus disease without cytomegalovirus retinitis or visual symptoms.

METHODS:

Thirty-eight eyes of 19 human immunodeficiency virus-positive children (group A) with visual acuity of 20/20 or better, normal color vision testing and no ophthalmoscopically detectable disorders were prospectively examined. All subjects of group A had no history of cytomegalovirus retinitis and CD4 counts consistently above 100. Patients in group B (40 eyes of 21 patients) were human immunodeficiency virus-negative age-matched control subjects. Thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer along a 3.4-mm-diameter circle centered on the optic nerve head was evaluated using third-generation optical coherence tomography. CD8 T-lymphocyte count, presence of systemic infection, hemoglobin, hematocrit and serum beta-microglobulin levels were also recorded.

RESULTS:

The mean overall retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in groups A and B were 89.2 +/- 24.01 microm and 102.82 +/- 29.168 microm (SD) respectively. The difference was considered extremely significant (P < 0.0001). Group A had significantly thinner average nerve fiber layer in temporal, nasal, superior and inferior retinal areas.

CONCLUSIONS:

Significant retinal nerve fiber layer thinning occurs in human immunodeficiency virus-positive children with no visual impairment or ophthalmologic evidence or retinitis.

• Authors: Marilita M Moschos, Glykeria Mostrou, Eleni Psimenidou, Vasiliki Spoulou, Maria Theodoridou
• Journal: Ocular immunology and inflammation (Ocul Immunol Inflamm) 2007 Jul-Aug Vol. 15 Issue 4 Pg. 319-23 ISSN: 0927-3948 [Print] England
• PMID: 17763130 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• HIV Antibodies

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Color Perception (physiology)
• Cytomegalovirus Retinitis (complications)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• HIV (immunology)
• HIV Antibodies (immunology)
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Male
• Optic Nerve (pathology)
• Prospective Studies
• Reproducibility of Results
• Retina (pathology, physiopathology)
• Tomography, Optical Coherence (methods)
• Visual Acuity (physiology)