Study of ocular manifestations in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus according to national acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Ocular involvement in children with HIV AIDS most commonly include allergic conjunctivitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus,molluscum contagiosum, retinal vasculitis, CMV retinitis and isolated cotton wool spots. Materials and Methods: Non comparative prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from January 2015 to December 2015. A total of 506 patients of upto 12 years of age, affected with HIV AIDS, attending ART centre of the institute, were thoroughly examined for ocular involvement. Preliminary history which includes blurring of vision , deviation of eyes, night blindness or any other ocular complaints was documented. Detailed ocular examination was done thoroughly. Patient's ART case sheet was also referenced to know about any systemic conditions like tuberculosis, pneumocystis pneumonia, kaposi's sarcoma etc. Patients' most recent CD4 count was also documented. Results: Out of 506 children examined, 140 were found to have ocular involvement (27.6%). Anterior segment findings were found in 14.8% whereas retinal and optic nerve findings were found in 12.45% of patients. Ocular manifestations were also co-related with the CD4 count of the patients which showed that lower CD4 counts is significantly associated with increased ocular involvement. Conclusion: Our study concludes that the most common ocular manifestations in paediatric HIV patients include retinal perivasculitis, allergic conjunctivitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus and dry eye and also demonstrates that ocular involvement is significantly associated with lower CD4 counts.