Epidemic retinitis during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Epidemic retinitis (ER) is an ocular condition that can affect pregnant individuals.
• Understanding the clinical course and treatment outcomes of ER during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of epidemic retinitis (ER) in pregnant patients.
• To identify the typical timing of ER onset during pregnancy and factors influencing visual acuity recovery.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational chart review was conducted.
• Data from 12 pregnant patients diagnosed with ER between January 2014 and February 2023 were analyzed.
• Demographics, onset timing, clinical findings, diagnostic tests, treatments, and visual outcomes were examined.

Main Results:

• ER occurred in 13.9% of ER cases during the study period, with onset typically in the sixth month of pregnancy.
• Visual acuity improved significantly with treatment (from mean 20/125 to 20/30).
• Macular edema and retinitis resolved within an average of 33 and 58 days, respectively; newborns examined showed no abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Epidemic retinitis in pregnancy commonly manifests in the third trimester.
• Antibiotic therapy appears important for timely retinitis resolution.
• Larger studies are required to definitively assess potential retinal involvement in newborns exposed to ER.