Spectrum of retinal abnormalities in renal transplant patients using chronic low-dose steroids

To assess the ophthalmological characteristics of asymptomatic patients with a renal transplant on chronic low-dose steroids for at least the last 2 years prior to examination.

Cross-sectional study. All patients underwent an extensive ophthalmological examination.

Of the 37 included patients [25 male, 12 female; 59 ± 11 years (range, 38-77 years)] ophthalmological phenotyping revealed abnormalities in 22 patients (59%). Findings characteristic for (subclinical) central serous chorioretinopathy were detected in ten patients (27%), including two patients with serous subretinal fluid in the macula. An epiretinal membrane of the macula was present in six patients (16%). Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly increased in patients with ophthalmological abnormalities, in comparison with patients without abnormalities.

Retinal abnormalities are common in the majority of renal transplant patients using chronic low-dose steroids. These retinal changes may be associated with the renal disease and/or the effect of chronic steroid use on the choroid and retina.