Occurrence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can present with various ocular manifestations.
• Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a common allergic eye condition, typically seen in children.
• The relationship between HIV and VKC in pediatric populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) as an ocular manifestation in pediatric patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study analyzed data from HIV-positive children attending an Anti-Retroviral Therapy clinic.
• Patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations, including visual acuity, slit lamp, and dilated fundus examinations.
• CD4 counts were retrospectively correlated with active VKC cases.

Main Results:

• Out of 72 children (70 males, 2 females), 63 (87.5%) presented with VKC.
• Other ophthalmic findings included cataract (4.2%) and cytomegalovirus retinitis (2.8%).
• Four children (5.5%) had no ophthalmic findings.

Conclusions:

• An evident association exists between HIV infection, VKC, and reduced CD4 counts in pediatric patients.
• The findings suggest VKC may be a significant ocular manifestation in children with HIV.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate this association and its clinical implications.