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Cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS before and after introduction of HAART in China

Hui Yu Sun1, Xiao Yan Peng, Dan Li

  • 12 Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Di Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing - China.

European Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) significantly reduced cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) and other fundus lesions in Chinese AIDS patients. Low CD4+ cell counts and HAART-naive status remain major risk factors for these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can lead to various ocular complications, including cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR).
  • The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed HIV/AIDS management globally.
  • Understanding the impact of HAART on fundus lesions in Chinese populations is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of CMVR and other fundus lesions in Chinese patients with AIDS.
  • To compare these prevalence rates before and after the widespread adoption of HAART in China.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted at a referral center in Beijing.
  • Data from 173 HAART-naive and 267 HAART-treated individuals with AIDS were analyzed.
  • Ophthalmic examinations, including fundus photography and CD4+ T-cell counts, were performed.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of CMVR, microvascular retinopathy, and optic neuropathy was significantly lower in the HAART group compared to the HAART-naive group.
  • Microvascular retinopathy was associated with HAART-naive status and older age.
  • CMVR was strongly associated with low CD4+ cell counts (<50 cells/μL) and HAART-naive status.

Conclusions:

  • HAART significantly decreases the prevalence of CMVR and microvascular retinopathy in Chinese patients with AIDS.
  • Low CD4+ cell count and lack of HAART are identified as the primary risk factors for these ocular conditions.
  • Findings are consistent with observations in Western countries, highlighting the global impact of HAART on AIDS-related eye diseases.
Abstract

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