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Uveitis associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection
D F Rosberger1, M H Heinemann, D N Friedberg
1Department of Ophthalmology, The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 25, 1998
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can cause uveitis. Zidovudine treatment effectively resolved inflammation in HIV-positive patients unresponsive to corticosteroids, suggesting its potential therapeutic role.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Uveitis is a significant cause of vision loss.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can present with various ocular manifestations.
- The role of HIV in causing uveitis requires further investigation.
Observation:
- Six HIV-seropositive patients with uveitis unresponsive to corticosteroids were studied.
- Patients received zidovudine as antiretroviral therapy.
- Ocular fluid cultures were performed to identify causative agents.
Findings:
- Zidovudine treatment led to the resolution of uveitis in all 10 affected eyes within 10 to 42 days.
- HIV was isolated from ocular fluids in three patients, with no other pathogens identified.
- Systemic evaluations ruled out other causes for uveitis.
Implications:
- HIV infection is identified as a potential cause of uveitis.
- Zidovudine therapy may be beneficial for HIV-associated uveitis refractory to corticosteroids.
- Further research is needed to explore other antiretroviral agents for HIV uveitis.