Investigation of the optic disc and retinal microvasculature by optical coherence tomography angiography in children with asthma

To assess the optic disc and retinal microvasculature by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in asthmatic children.

Thirty asthmatic children (asthma group) and 30 control age- and sex-matched healthy controls (control group) were included in this cross-sectional study. The asthma group was then divided into two subgroups according to the presence of inhaled steroid use. Demographic findings were noted. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and vessel density in different sections of the retina and optic nerve head were analyzed by OCTA.

RNFL thickness for temporal quadrants and flow area for outer retina levels were significantly lower in the asthma group than the control group (72.58 ± 10.99 μm vs 77.73 ± 9.73μm, P = 0.015, and 0.60 ± 0.31mm² vs. 0.72 ± 0.31mm², P = 0.047, respectively). However, inside disc vascular densities were significantly higher in the asthma group when compared to controls (55.16% ± 3.71% vs. 52.08% ± 3.79%, P < 0.001). Inside disc vascular densities were also significantly higher, and RNFL thickness for temporal quadrants was significantly lower in the asthmatic patients without steroid use subgroup when compared to others (P < 0.001, P = 0.012, respectively).

Lower values of temporal quadrant RNFL, and flow area for outer retina, but higher levels of inside disc vascular density seem to be associated with asthmatic children. OCTA findings in asthmatic children appear to be regardless of inhaled steroid use.