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Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Assessment of the Metabolic Profile of Primary Leukemia Cells
Published on: November 21, 2018
Ocular manifestations in leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders and their association with hematological
Renu Dhasmana1, Amrita Prakash1, Neeti Gupta1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Insights
Ocular manifestations are common in leukemia patients and linked to low hemoglobin, high white blood cell counts, and low platelets. Regular eye exams can detect these signs early.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders can present with various ocular complications.
- Ocular manifestations may be asymptomatic, potentially delaying diagnosis or treatment.
- Understanding the link between hematological parameters and eye conditions is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of ocular manifestations in patients with leukemia or myeloproliferative disorders.
- To determine the association between specific ocular findings and key hematological parameters (hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, platelet count).
Main Methods:
- An observational, descriptive study conducted at a tertiary care center.
- Inclusion of 102 diagnosed leukemia and myeloproliferative disease patients.
- Detailed ocular examinations and recording of hematological parameters (Hb, TLC, platelet count).
Main Results:
- 39.3% of patients exhibited ocular manifestations, more prevalent in acute leukemias.
- Common findings included intraretinal hemorrhages and Roth spots.
- Significant associations were found between ocular manifestations and low hemoglobin, elevated total leukocyte count, and low platelet count.
Conclusions:
- Ocular examinations are recommended for all leukemia patients.
- Eye manifestations can be an early indicator of disease progression or severity.
- Early detection through ophthalmological assessment can aid in timely intervention.
Objectives:
To study the ocular manifestations in patients diagnosed with leukemia or myeloproliferative disorders and to derive an association between the ocular manifestations and hematological parameters of the patients.
Materials And Methods:
This observational and descriptive study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Center of Dehradun, North India over a period of 1 year. All the diagnosed cases of leukemia and myeloproliferative diseases attending the Oncology Department were included. Patients underwent a detailed ocular examination. The hematological parameters were also recorded including hemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte count (TLC), and platelet count.
Results:
The study included 102 patients out of which, there were 66 males (64.7%), and 36 were females (35.3%) with an age range of 5-80 years. A total of forty patients showed ocular manifestations (39.3%). Extraocular manifestations were seen in 10.8% patients while intraocular manifestations were noted in 45.1% patients of acute leukemia and 7.7% patients of chronic leukemia. These ocular manifestations showed a significant association with low Hb (P = 0.000), raised TLC (P = 0.004), and low platelet count (P = 0.000). The most common ocular manifestation was intraretinal hemorrhages followed by roth spots. Among acute myeloid leukemia patients (23.5%), the presence of intraretinal hemorrhages was significantly associated with low Hb (Mann-Whitney U-test = 25.000, P = 0.007). The patients of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (25.4%) showed significant association between intraretinal hemorrhages and low platelet count (Mann-Whitney U-test = 44.000, P = 0.046) and roth spots with low Hb (Mann-Whitney U-test = 11.000, P = 0.000). Ocular manifestations were more commonly seen in acute leukemias as compared to chronic leukemias.
Conclusion:
Ocular examination is recommended in all leukemic patients as ocular manifestations may go unnoticed, most patients being asymptomatic and could be an early sign of worsening of disease.
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