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Cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS
M J Peters1, H U Moeller, I Russell-Eggitt
1Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Cytomegalovirus retinitis is uncommon in HIV-infected children. This report details two infants with vertically acquired immunodeficiency virus infection who developed cytomegalovirus infection and retinitis, presenting management challenges.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus retinitis is a frequent opportunistic infection in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- However, its occurrence in children with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is infrequently reported.
- This rarity highlights a potential gap in understanding or surveillance in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- Two cases of infants with vertically acquired HIV infection are presented.
- Both infants developed disseminated cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
- Crucially, both infants also presented with cytomegalovirus retinitis, a severe ocular manifestation.
Findings:
- The presented cases demonstrate that cytomegalovirus retinitis can occur in infants with vertically acquired HIV.
- These cases underscore the potential for severe disseminated CMV disease, including ocular involvement, in this vulnerable pediatric group.
- The clinical course and management of these cases presented significant challenges.
Implications:
- These findings suggest a need for increased vigilance and potentially earlier screening for CMV disease, including retinitis, in infants with vertically acquired HIV.
- Effective management strategies for cytomegalovirus retinitis in this population require further investigation and development.
- Understanding the pathogenesis and clinical spectrum of CMV in vertically HIV-infected infants is critical for improving outcomes.