Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Cardio-Oncology and Beyond

Speckle-tracking echocardiography has enabled clinicians to detect changes in myocardial function with more sensitivity than that afforded by traditional diastolic and systolic functional measurements, including left ventricular ejection fraction. Speckle-tracking echocardiography enables evaluation of myocardial strain in terms of strain (percent change in length of a myocardial segment relative to its length at baseline) and strain rate (strain per unit of time). Both measurements have potential for use in diagnosing and monitoring the cardiovascular side effects of cancer therapy. Regional and global strain measurements can independently predict outcomes not only in patients who experience cardiovascular complications of cancer and cancer therapy, but also in patients with a variety of other clinical conditions. This review and case series examine the clinical applications and overall usefulness of speckle-tracking echocardiography in cardio-oncology and, more broadly, in clinical cardiology.

Characteristics of infective endocarditis in a cancer population

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) is more common in patients with cancer as compared with the general population. Due to an immunocompromised state, the need for invasive procedures, hypercoagulability and the presence of indwelling catheters, patients with cancer are particularly predisposed to the development of IE.

Objectives

Limited information exists about IE in patients with cancer. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of patients with cancer and IE at our tertiary care centre, including a comparison of the microorganisms implicated and their association with mortality.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients with cancer who had echocardiography for suspicion of endocarditis was conducted. A total of 56 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer and endocarditis, based on the modified Duke criteria, were included in the study. Baseline demographics, risk factors for developing IE, echocardiography findings, microbiology and mortality data were analysed.

Results

Following the findings of vegetations by echocardiography, the median survival time was 8.5 months. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism identified as causing endocarditis. The mitral and aortic valves were the most commonly involved sites of endocarditis. Patients with S. aureus endocarditis (SAE) had a significantly poorer survival when compared with patients without SAE (p=0.0217) over the 12-month period from diagnosis of endocarditis.

Conclusions

Overall survival of patients with cancer and endocarditis is poor, with a worse outcome in patients with SAE.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Predicting Outcomes Among Patients at Risk for Cardiac AL Amyloidosis

Introduction: Patients with systemic AL amyloidosis (AL) should be evaluated for cardiac amyloidosis (CA), as prognosis is strongly related to cardiac involvement. We assessed the characteristics of patients referred to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with suspected CA from a cancer center and determine predictors of mortality/heart failure hospitalizations (HFH).

Methods: Forty-four consecutive patients referred for CMR with suspected CA were retrospectively included. Variables collected included cardiac biomarkers, in addition to echocardiographic and CMR variables. Survival analyses were performed to determine which variables were more predictive of mortality and HFH.

Results: Of the 44 patients included, 55% were females. 73% of patients were diagnosed with CA by CMR; 56% of them had an established diagnosis of AL. Patients with CA by CMR had higher native T1, higher extracellular volume (ECV) fraction, higher T2, less negative GLS by Echo, and higher troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the following were predictive of mortality: an ECV ≥ 0.50 (p = 0.0098), CMR LVEF < 50% (p = 0.0010), T2/ECV ≤ 100 (p = 0.0001), and troponin I > 0.03 (p = 0.0025). In a stepwise conditional Cox logistic regression model, the only variable predictive of a composite of mortality and HFH was ECV (HR: 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02–1.34 p = 0.030).

Conclusion: ECV seems to be an important biomarker that could be a predictor of outcomes in cardiac AL amyloidosis. In combination, CMR and serum cardiac biomarkers might help to establish prognosis in patients with CA.

POS0701 ANIFROLUMAB, AN ANTI-INTERFERON-Α RECEPTOR MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS- A META ANALYSIS

Background:

Type I interferons such as Anifrolumab have been implicated in Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis on the basis of increased interferon-stimulated gene expression and genetic susceptibility. Little is known regarding its efficacy and safety profile.

Objectives:

To assess the efficacy and safety of Anifrolumab in patients with SLE.

Methods:

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane) were searched from inception until December 15th, 2020. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated from dichotomous data using Mantel Haenszel (M-H) random-effects with statistical significance to be considered if the confidence interval excludes 1 and p<0.05. The primary outcome of interest was British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG)-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients who achieved an SLE responder index of 4 (SRI-4) reduction of 50% or more in the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI), reductions in the glucocorticoid dose and adverse effects.

Results:

A total of three studies1,2,3 with 839 participants (Anifrolumab=372, Placebo=467) were included in our analysis. Follow-up duration was at week 52. A statistically significant different was observed in the Anifrolumab arm in terms of BICLA response (OR 0.44 95%CI 0.34-0.59;p < 0.00001, I2=4), ≥50% reduction in CLASI activity score (OR 0.36 95%CI 0.21-0.60;p=0.0001, I2=0), glucocorticoid reduction (OR 0.41 95%CI 0.28-0.59;p<0.00001; I2=0) and SRI-4 response (OR 0.52 95% CI 0.30-0.90; p=0.02, I2=75). However, Adverse events were less likely in the placebo arm as compared to Anifrolumab (OR 1.54 95%CI 1.05-2.25; p=0.03; I2=0).

Conclusion:

Anifrolumab was found to be more effective than placebo for the management of SLE, but may also cause more severe adverse effects.

References:

[1]Morand EF, Furie R, Tanaka Y, Bruce IN, Askanase AD, Richez C, Bae SC, Brohawn PZ, Pineda L, Berglind A, Tummala R; TULIP-2 Trial Investigators. Trial of Anifrolumab in Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. N Engl J Med. 2020 Jan 16;382(3):211-221. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1912196. Epub 2019 Dec 18. PMID: 31851795.

[2]Furie R, Khamashta M, Merrill JT, Werth VP, Kalunian K, Brohawn P, Illei GG, Drappa J, Wang L, Yoo S; CD1013 Study Investigators. Anifrolumab, an Anti-Interferon-α Receptor Monoclonal Antibody, in Moderate-to-Severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017 Feb;69(2):376-386. doi: 10.1002/art.39962. PMID: 28130918; PMCID: PMC5299497.

[3]Furie RA, Morand EF, Bruce IN, et al. Type I interferon inhibitor anifrolumab in active systemic lupus erythematosus (TULIP-1): a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Rheumatol 2019; 1(4):e208-e219.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Can preoperative parameters predict successful sperm retrieval and live birth in couples undergoing testicular sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection for azoospermia?

Background

We aimed to determine if the success of TESE and live-birth following TESE-ICSI can be predicted from readily available preoperative parameters for couples with azoospermia. Our methodology was as follows, this was a cohort study of couples who attended the fertility service (from 2009-2019) at an NHS hospital in whom the male partner was diagnosed with azoospermia and required conventional TESE with multiple biopsies to obtain sperm. Of 414 men included, 223 had successful TESE and of those 178 have used sperm in ICSI cycle(s). Predictive models were developed using logistic regression. We assessed model performance by internally validated concordance statistics and calibration plots. Successful sperm retrieval was defined as the presence of motile sperm which survived the freeze-thaw process and live-birth defined as delivery after 34 weeks of gestation.

Results

Successful TESE was associated with higher male age and lower FSH. The TESE model discriminated well with a c statistic of 0.81 (0.77-0.85). Live-birth was associated with lower maternal age, earlier ICSI cycle, and lower testicular volume. The live-birth model also discriminated well with a c statistic of 0.70 (0.64-0.76).

Conclusions

These results support the pragmatic counselling of couples diagnosed with azoospermia about the chances of success of the TESE procedure and of biological parenthood prior to surgical intervention. The models help to discriminate between men who have a high or low chance of successful TESE and couples who have a higher chance of achieving a live-birth after successful TESE. This will allow couples to make a better assessment of the balance of risk versus benefit prior to commitment to surgical interventions.

QT Prolongation in Cancer Patients

Background: QT prolongation and torsades de pointes pose a major concern for cardiologists and oncologists. Although cancer patients are suspected to have prolonged QT intervals, this has not been investigated in a large population. The purpose of this study was to analyze the QT interval distribution in a cancer population and compare it to a non-cancer population in the same institution. Methods: The study was a retrospective review of 82,410 ECGs performed in cancer patients (51.8% women and 48.2% men) and 775 ECGs performed in normal stem cell donors (47.9% women and 52.1% men) from January 2009 to December 2013 at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Pharmacy prescription data was also collected and analyzed during the same time period. Correction of the QT interval for the heart rate was performed using the Bazett and Fridericia formulas. Results: After QT correction for heart rate by the Fridericia formula (QTcF), the mean and 99% percentile QTc for cancer patients were 414 and 473 ms, respectively. These were significantly longer than the normal stem cell donors, 407 and 458 ms, p < 0.001, respectively. Among the cancer patients, the QTc was longer in the inpatient setting when compared to both outpatient and emergency center areas. The most commonly prescribed QT prolonging medications identified were ondansetron and methadone. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates significantly longer QTc intervals in cancer patients, especially in the inpatient setting. Frequently prescribed QT prolonging medications such as antiemetics and analgesics may have a causative role in QT prolongation seen in our cancer hospital.

Cellulose acetate based Complexation-NF membranes for the removal of Pb(II) from waste water

This study investigates the removal of Pb(II) using polymer matrix membranes, cellulose acetate/vinyl triethoxysilane modified graphene oxide and gum Arabic (GuA) membranes. These complexation-NF membranes were successfully synthesized via dissolution casting method for better transport phenomenon. The varied concentrations of GuA were induced in the polymer matrix membrane. The prepared membranes M-GuA2–M-GuA10 were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscope and bio-fouling studies. Thermal stability of the membranes was determined by thermogravimetric analysis under nitrogen atmosphere. Dead end nanofiltration was carried out to study the perm- selectivity of all the membranes under varied pressure and concentration of Pb(NO₃)₂. The complexation-NF membrane performances were significantly improved after the addition of GuA in the polymer matrix membrane system. M-GuA8 membrane showed optimum result of permeation flux 8.6 l m⁻² h⁻¹. Rejection of Pb(II) ions was observed to be around 97.6% at pH 9 for all the membranes due to electrostatic interaction between CA and Gum Arabic. Moreover, with the passage of time, the rate of adsorption was also increased up to 15.7 mg g⁻¹ until steady state was attained. Gum Arabic modified CA membranes can open up new possibilities in enhancing the permeability, hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties.

Immediate versus staged revascularisation in multivessel coronary disease: an updated meta-analysis

Background

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are often aimed at the culprit vessel in acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) followed by revascularisation of other stenoses later in the index hospitalisation or shortly after discharge. PCI delay of non-culprit coronary vessels stenoses is supported by lower contrast fluid use and thrombocyte aggregation. Distinct coronary interventions increase the risk of both non- and coronary artery complications, e.g. acute abdominal and periphery artery bleeding, suggesting undertaking all PCIs at the same time.

Purpose

To assess the effect on mortality and re-myocardial infarction (MI) of immediate versus staged revascularisation in multivessel coronary disease, with the latter constrained to initial PCI of the culprit coronary vessel.

Methods

The syntax of “randomised controlled trial (RCT) & acute coronary syndrome & complete revascularisation” was undertaken in PubMed.

Clinical characteristics were gathered at the index hospitalisation. The intervention scenario was acute coronary syndrome or not.

Meta-analyses calculated relative risk (RR) reductions on outcomes of 1) mortality and 2) re-MI. Meta-regression assessed linear difference between interventional treatment benefits and baseline characteristics.

Results

A total of 148 studies was found. Of those, 8 was found eligible for further analyses and their baseline characteristics are shown in Table 1.

Comparison of immediate versus staged revascularisation on mortality was nonsignificant (RR, 1.19; 95% CI: 0.78–1.81, p=0.43) (Figure 1). The impact of Immediate vs staged revascularisation on re-MI was also nonsignificant (RR, 0.83; 95% CI: 0.44–1.55, p=0.56). Meta-regression found no associations between the outcomes and study characteristics (not shown).

Conclusion

The intervention of immediate compared to staged revascularisation assessed on outcomes of all-cause mortality and re-MI were nonsignificant.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Plastic physicians: The surgical salamanders of the COVID-19 pandemic

At the time of writing, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has affected 6.42 million people globally and over 380,000 deaths, with the United Kingdom now having the highest death rate in Europe. The plastic surgery department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals put necessary steps in place to maintain an excellent urgent elective and acute service whilst also managing COVID-positive medical patients in the ward. We describe the structures and pathways implemented together with complex decision-making, which has allowed us to respond early and effectively. We hope these lessons will prove a useful tool as we look to open conversations around the recovery of normal activity.

Age and gender specific cut-off points for body fat parameters among adults in Qatar

Background

Excessive body fat is the leading cause of many metabolic disorders. Therefore, assessing levels of body fat associated with risk of disease in specific populations is crucial. The present study aimed to identify optimal cut-off values of body fat composition including total body fat, body fat percentage, visceral fat, and trunk fat, in order to predict metabolic risk in the Qatari population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was based on Qatar Biobank data of 2407 Qatari adults (1269 male and 1138 female) aged 21–70 years old. Individuals’ height, weight and body fat percentage were obtained. Blood test data including lipid profile, blood glucose and HbA1c data were also obtained. The area under the curve was calculated using ROC analysis to obtain the body fat percentage associated with risk of disease.

Results

The cut-off points for total fat for those aged < 40 were 34.0 kg, and for those aged ≥40 were 30.7 kg and 35.6 kg in men and women, respectively. The cut-off for body fat percent for those aged < 40 were 35.1 and 45.1%, and for those aged ≥40 were 34.8 and 46.3% in men and women, respectively. The cut-off points for trunk fat percent for those aged < 40 were 19.5 and 22.4%, and for those aged ≥40 were 21.6 and 23.4% in men and women, respectively. The cut-off points for visceral fat percent for those aged < 40 were 1.4 and 1.0%, and for those aged ≥40 were 1.9 and 1.4% in men and women, respectively.

Conclusion

This study established Qatari adult-specific cut-off values of body fat for different age and gender groups.

Describing the resource utilisation and costs associated withvertebral fractures: the Build Better Bones with Exercise (B3E) Pilot Trial

This analysis examined costs/resources of 141 women with vertebral fractures, randomised to a home exercise programme or control group. Total, mean costs and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. Quality of life was collected. Cost drivers were caregiver time, medications and adverse events (AEs). Results show adding an exercise programme may reduce the risk of AEs.

INTRODUCTION

This exploratory economic analysis examined the health resource utilisation and costs experienced by women with vertebral fractures, and explored the effects of home exercise on those costs.

METHODS

Women ≥ 65 years with one or more X-ray-confirmed vertebral fractures were randomised 1:1 to a 12-month home exercise programme or equal attention control group. Clinical and health system resources were collected during monthly phone calls and daily diaries completed by participants. Intervention costs were included. Unit costs were applied to health system resources. Quality of life (QoL) information was collected via EQ-5D-5L at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-one women were randomised. Overall total costs (CAD 2018) were $664,923 (intervention) and $614,033 (control), respectively. The top three cost drivers were caregiver time ($250,269 and $240,811), medications ($151,000 and $122,145) and AEs ($58,807 and $71,981). The mean cost per intervention participant of $9365 ± $9988 was higher compared with the mean cost per control participant of $8772 ± $9718. The mean EQ-5D index score was higher for the intervention participants (0.81 ± 0.11) compared with that of controls (0.79 ± 0.13). The differences in quality-adjusted life year (QALY) (0.02) and mean cost ($593) were used to calculate the ICER of $29,650.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with osteoporosis with a previous fracture experience a number of resources and associated costs that impact their care and quality of life. Caregiver time, medications and AEs are the biggest cost drivers for this population. The next steps would be to expand this feasibility study with more participants, longer-term follow-up and more regional variability.

Prevalence and Incidence of Non-neutralizing Antibodies in Congenital Hemophilia A- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: In hemophilia A the presence of non-neutralizing antibodies (NNAs) against Factor VIII (FVIII) may predict the development of neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) and accelerate the clearance of administrated FVIII concentrates. This systematic review aimed to assess: (1) the prevalence and incidence of NNAs in patients with congenital hemophilia without inhibitors and (2) the association between NNAs and patient and treatment characteristics.

Methods: We conducted a search in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane database. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting on NNAs in patients with hemophilia A and B, who were inhibitor-negative at the start of the observation period. Data were extracted on: hemophilia type and severity, patient and treatment characteristics, NNA prevalence and incidence, NNA assays and inhibitor development. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, using adapted criteria of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Studies were classified as high-quality when ≥5/9 criteria were met. NNA assays were classified as high-quality when both quality criteria were met: (1) use of positive controls and (2) competition with FVIII to establish FVIII-specificity. We reported NNA prevalence and incidence for each study. The pooled NNA prevalence was assessed for well-designed studies in previously treated patients, employing high-quality NNA assays.

Results: We included data from 2,723 inhibitor-negative patients with hemophilia A, derived from 28 studies. Most studies were cross-sectional (19/28) and none reported on NNAs in hemophilia B. Study design was of high quality in 16/28 studies and the NNA assay quality was high in 9/28 studies. Various NNA assays were used, predominantly ELISA (18/28) with different cut-off values. We found a large variety in NNA prevalence (Range, 0–100%). The pooled NNA prevalence in high-quality studies was 25% (95% CI, 16–38%). The incidence of new NNA development was reported in one study (0.01 NNA per person-exposure day).

Conclusion: This systematic review identified studies that were heterogeneous in study design, patient population and NNA assay type, with NNA prevalence ranging from 0 to 100% in inhibitor-negative patients with hemophilia A. The pooled NNA prevalence was 25% in high-quality studies including only previously treated patients and performing high-quality NNA assays.

Fulminant Vascular and Cardiac Toxicity Associated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Sorafenib

The use of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors such as sorafenib is limited by a risk of severe cardiovascular toxicity. A 28-year-old man with acute myeloid leukemia treated with prednisone, tacrolimus, and sorafenib following stem cell transplantation presented with severe bilateral lower extremity claudication. The patient was discharged against medical advice prior to finalizing a cardiovascular evaluation, but returned 1 week later with signs suggestive of septic shock. Laboratory tests revealed troponin I of 12.63 ng/mL, BNP of 1690 pg/mL, and negative infectious workup. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia and new pathologic Q waves in the anterior leads. Coronary angiography revealed severe multivessel coronary artery disease. Peripheral angiography revealed severely diseased left anterior and posterior tibial arteries, tibioperoneal trunk, and peroneal artery, and subtotal occlusion of the right posterior tibial artery. Multiple coronary and peripheral drug-eluting stents were implanted. An intra-aortic balloon pump was placed. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed chronic left ventricular infarction with some viability, 17% ejection fraction, and left ventricular mural thrombi. The patient opted for medical management. Persistent symptoms 9 months later led to repeat angiography, showing total occlusion of the second obtuse marginal artery due to in-stent restenosis with proximal stent fracture, and chronic total occlusion of the right internal iliac artery extending to the pudendal branch. Cardiac positron emission tomography/computed tomography viability study demonstrated viable myocardium, deeming revascularization appropriate. Symptom resolution was obtained with no recurrences. Sorafenib-associated vasculopathy may follow a fulminant course. Multimodality cardiovascular imaging is essential for optimal management.

Cardiotoxicity of FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors: A rare but serious adverse event

Refractory cancer represents a challenge for oncologists in providing treatment options without excessive toxicity and has led to the investigation of immune mechanisms. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) directly interfere with the tumor cells' ability to evade the innate and adaptive immune system by targeting specific proteins such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death protein-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which are involved as negative regulators of T-cell function. Their growing success has led to the investigation for frontline treatment in several types of cancers. Even though these ICIs have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of a variety of cancers, their use has been associated with the development of rare but severe adverse events. These events are the result of targeting specific checkpoint proteins on normal cells of the body as well as secondary downstream off-target effects on normal tissue. Similar to combined conventional cancer treatment, treating with combined ICIs are also associated with a higher risk of adverse events. Although cardiotoxicities related to immunotherapy are reportedly rare, they can be severe and associated with life-threatening conditions such as fulminant heart failure, hemodynamic instability, and cardiac arrest. Oncologists must carefully weigh the risk versus the therapeutic benefit of these agents in determining the best option for improving overall survival and minimizing morbidity and mortality of their patients. Our review focuses on the approved ICIs, their mechanism of action, their oncologic efficacy, and the associated potential for cardiovascular toxicity.

Identifying Hemostatic Thresholds in Cancer Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography Based on Platelet Count and Thromboelastography

Objectives: To evaluate the role of platelet count and thromboelastogram (TEG) in the treatment of thrombocytopenic cancer patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Background: Cancer patients with CAD and thrombocytopenia are often treated non-invasively (i.e., without coronary angiography when clinically indicated) due to perceived high risk of bleeding. We sought to evaluate coagulability based on TEG and determine if platelet count and TEG could predict bleeding risk/mortality among cancer patients undergoing coronary angiography (CA).

Methods: Baseline demographics, platelet count, and TEG parameters were recorded among cancer patients that underwent CA and had a concomitant TEG. Logistic regression and univariate proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to determine the impact of platelet count and coagulability on 24-month overall survival (OS).

Results: All patients with platelet count <20,000/mm³ and nearly all patients with platelet count 20,000–49,000/mm³ were hypocoagulable based on TEG results. In contrast, nearly all patients with platelet counts of 50,000–99,999/mm³ had normal TEG results and OS similar to those with platelet counts of ≥100,000/mm³. Coagulability based on TEG was not associated with OS. However, a platelet count of <50,000/mm³ was associated with worse 24-month OS (hazard ratio = 2.76; p = 0.0072) when compared with a platelet count of ≥100,000/mm³. No major bleeding complications were observed in all groups.

Conclusion: The majority of cancer patients with platelet counts of <50,000/mm³ were hypocoagulable based on TEG and had worse OS at 24 months. The relatively normal TEGs in the >50,000/mm³ groups, as well as the improved survival, suggest that with appropriate clinical indication and risk/benefit assessment, a cut-off of 50,000/mm³ platelets can be considered for CA in cancer patients.

Transorbital sonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter among HIV-Positive patients in Northwestern Nigeria

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a pandemic disease affecting all regions across the globe and Nigeria having the second highest prevalence worldwide. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has profound negative effect on the optic nerve even though (HAART) has improved the health status of the affected individuals and overall reduction in mortality. Imaging modality especially ultrasound has a great role in the assessment of the optic nerve because of its availability, affordability, and easy operability with reliable sensitivity.

Subjects and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology and Ophthalmology, AKTH, Kano, from October 2017 to June 2018. A total of 143 consenting HIV-positive adults age 18-60 years on HAART were recruited. Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) of each eye was measured using 11-14 MHz linear transducer. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethic and research committee of the hospital.

Results

The mean ONSD value of the right eye was 3.49 mm ± 1.04 standard deviation (SD) and 3.55 mm ± 1.11 SD for the left eye. The optic nerve diameter was found to be larger on the left eye and increased slightly with age (P < 0.05). There was nonsignificantly higher values of ONSD among female (3.59 mm ± 1.12 SD) when compared with males (3.332 mm ± 0.878) with P value >0.005.

Conclusion

ONSD values among HIV-positive patients are significantly higher in the left eye and among female subjects. Also, patients with HIV on HAART have thicker optic nerves when compared with general population in Kano, Nigeria.