Advances in sickle cell retinopathy screening techniques, tests, and practices: A systematic review

Sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) is a progressive, sight-threatening ophthalmic complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). Current SCR screening focuses on the detection of pathologic sea fan neovascularization, the first sign of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSR). If untreated, PSR can lead to severe visual impairment and blindness through progression to vitreous hemorrhage and/or retinal detachment. SCR screening with dilated fundus examination (DFE) is recommended every 1-2 years starting at age 10, but data underlying this recommendation are of poor quality and based upon expert consensus. We performed a systematic review to characterize imaging techniques, laboratory-based tests, and clinical practices for SCR screening. This PROSPERO-registered systematic review included relevant texts identified through predetermined searches in online databases. Collected test accuracy data facilitated the calculation of likelihood ratios. Forty-four studies evaluating 4928 patients were included. DFE demonstrated moderate test accuracy (LR+ of 8.0, LR- of 0.3). Ultra-widefield-fundus photography demonstrated superior accuracy (LR+ 32.5, LR- 0.03). Optical coherence tomography angiography applications were highly accurate for PSR identification (machine learning LR+ 32.5, LR- 0.03; human grader LR+ 2.8-213.1, LR- 0.1-0.2). Most techniques and tests were more accurate at detecting PSR than staging SCR or detecting lower-grade SCR. Our findings support the integration of advanced image-based approaches, such as computer-based image analysis and ultra-wide-field fundus imaging, for SCR screening in SCD patients given the superior accuracy in PSR detection compared with the current standard of care. Rigorous SCR screening implementation studies are needed to support evidence-based SCR screening recommendations.