Clinical study of ocular manifestations in hiv/aids and itscorrelation with cd4+ t cells

Abstract

Background: The ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS may lead to visual impairment or blindness the ocular squeal of HIV infection leading to an early diagnosis of AIDS, which along with an early and effective treatment might be able to reduce ocular and general morbidity and mortality in AIDS. Objectives: This study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of ocular manifestations in HIV/AIDSpatients and to study the correlation between ocular complications of HIV/AIDS and the degree of immunodeficiency as determined by CD4+ T lymphocyte count of HIV infected individuals. Methods: This prospective study included 100 HIV positive patients, with or without AIDS, irrespective of treatment status. A detailed history and comprehensive ophthalmic examination was performed and findings were noted. The WHO clinical stage of HIV/AIDS, CD4+ T lymphocyte count and duration of disease were noted. The prevalence of ocular manifestations and their correlation with CD4+ T cell counts were determined. Results: The prevalence of ocular manifestations in HIV/AIDS patients was 46%, 97% had good vision but 7% patients had lost one eye to ocular complications and 1% patient was blind due to the disease. The most common manifestations were HIV retinopathy 12% and CMV retinitis 7%. The prevalence of ocular manifestations was significantly higher with lower CD4+ T lymphocyte counts in HIV infected individuals. Conclusions: The study concluded that CD4+ cell counts and WHO clinical stage of HIV disease are important predictors of occurrence of ocular morbidity in HIV positive individuals.