Abstract
Background: The systemic findings of novel A (H1N1) influenza have been well documented but data on ocular lesions is scarce. We report the systemic and ophthalmoscopic findings of 14 patients with proven H1N1 infection. Methods: An observational non-interventional retrospective study. During a period of nine years, 14 patients (six female and eight males), were referred for an ophthalmic evaluation. All patients underwent a detailed systemic and ocular evaluation. Results: Three patients (21.4 %) showed ocular lesions in the form of a unilateral intraretinal hemorrhage. Of these, one patient (7.1%) had a large disc hemorrhage and an area of retinal whitening, consistent with ischemia in the macular area. Conclusions: Physicians dealing with H1N1 infection should be aware of these findings and may include an ocular evaluation as part of their protocol.
Highlights
Novel A/H1N1 influenza is a common infectious disease in India (12,942 infections causing 954 deaths in 20181) and globally[2]
The respiratory system is primarily affected by infection and extensive data is available for the interaction of A/H1N1 with the respiratory system[3]
Approval for retrospective data collection and publication was granted by the institutional ethics committee of Lilavati Hospital and Research Center The requirement for individual consent was waived
Summary
Novel A/H1N1 influenza (previously termed as swine flu) is a common infectious disease in India (12,942 infections causing 954 deaths in 20181) and globally[2]. Reports of ocular lesions (infective or vasculopathic) in A/H1N1 infections are limited. Published reports[5,6] present single patient findings but aggregate data from multiple cases are not available. This study was intended to ascertain the presence and types of ocular lesions in novel A/H1N1 infections and reports findings from 14 patients. The systemic findings of novel A (H1N1) influenza have been well documented but data on ocular lesions is scarce. We report the systemic and ophthalmoscopic findings of 14 patients with proven H1N1 infection. Results: Three patients (21.4 %) showed ocular lesions in the form of a unilateral intraretinal hemorrhage. Conclusions: Physicians dealing with H1N1 infection should be aware of these findings and may include an ocular evaluation as part of their protocol
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