Incidence of Intermediate-stage Age-related Macular Degeneration in Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Genetic factors associated with age-related macular degeneration modulating plasma inflammatory biomarker levels in patients with AIDS

INTRODUCTION

Patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have an increased prevalence and incidence of intermediate-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several elevated plasma inflammatory biomarkers are associated with increased incidence of intermediate-stage AMD in this population. We evaluated the association between AMD risk alleles and plasma inflammatory biomarker levels in persons with AIDS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cryopreserved plasma specimens of 229 non-Hispanic White and 252 non-Hispanic blacks from the Longitudinal Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS cohort were assayed for plasma levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR) 2, interleukin (IL)-18, C × 3motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and soluble CD14 (sCD14). Genotyping included AMD-associated variants rs10801553 and rs800292 for complement factor H (CFH) rs9332739 and rs547154 for complement factor 2 (C2), rs2230199 for C3, rs2285714 for CFI, and rs3732379 and rs3732378 for C × 3motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1).

RESULTS

In Whites, AMD low-risk CX3CR1 variants (V249I and T280M) were associated with reduced plasma levels of IL-18. In Blacks, AMD low-risk C3 R102G and low-risk CX3CR1 T280M variants were associated with reduced CRP levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variants in AMD-associated immune genes may influence AMD-associated systemic plasma inflammatory biomarker levels in patients with AIDS.

Association of Intermediate-Stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Plasma Inflammatory Biomarkers in Persons with AIDS

Purpose

To evaluate associations of plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract in persons with AIDS.

Design

Nested case-control study (analysis 1) and nested cohort study (analysis 2).

Participants

Analysis 1: persons with AIDS and incident intermediate-stage AMD (n = 26) and controls without AMD matched for age, race/ethnicity, and gender (n = 49) from The Longitudinal Study of Ocular Complications of AIDS. Analysis 2: 475 persons from LSOCA with baseline plasma biomarker levels followed prospectively for cataract.

Methods

In both analyses, cryopreserved plasma specimens obtained at baseline were assayed for monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (CC motif chemokine ligand [CCL] 2), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β (CCL4), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR) 2, interleukin (IL)-18, and fractalkine (CX3 motif chemokine ligand 1 [CX3CL1]).

Main Outcome Measures

Analysis 1: mean difference (cases - controls) in plasma biomarker levels. Analysis 2: incident cataract.

Results

After adjusting for plasma human immunodeficiency virus RNA level, CD4+ T-cell count, and smoking, elevated baseline plasma levels of sTNFR2 and IL-18 (mean differences [cases - controls] 0.11 log10[pg/mL]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.20; P = 0.024 and 0.13 log10[pg/mL]; 95% CI, 0.01-0.24; P = 0.037, respectively) each were associated with incident AMD. In a competing risk (with mortality) analysis, elevated baseline standardized log10 plasma levels of MCP-1, sTNFR2, IL-18, and fractalkine each were associated with a decreased cataract risk.

Conclusions

When combined with previous data suggesting that AMD is associated with elevated plasma levels of C-reactive protein, soluble CD14, and possibly IL-6, the association of elevated plasma levels of sTNFR2 and IL-18 with incident AMD, but not with incident cataract, suggests that innate immune system activation, and possibly NLRP3 inflammasome activation, may play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD in this population.

Financial Disclosures

The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Complement factor H Y402H polymorphism results in diminishing CD4+ T cells and increasing C-reactive protein in plasma

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of visual loss among the elderly. Genetic variants in the gene encoding complement factor H (CFH) have been identified as an AMD susceptibility gene, however, the mechanistic link is debated. Here, we investigated the link between the CFH Y402H genotype and low-grade inflammation. We recruited 153 healthy individuals, 84 participants with dry stages of AMD, and 148 participants with neovascular AMD. All participants were subjected to detailed retinal examination, and interview regarding comorbidities and lifestyle. Blood samples were analyzed for level of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), white blood cell differential count, and stained with fluorescent antibodies to differentiate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CFH Y402H genotyping was performed using an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction genotyping assay. Splenocytes from young and aged wild type and Cfh null mutant C57BL/6J mice were examined for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Healthy individuals with the CFH Y402H at-risk polymorphism HH had higher levels of CRP and lower proportions of CD4+ T cells compared to persons with the YH or YY polymorphism (P = 0.037, Chi-square). Healthy individuals with the HH polymorphism displayed lower proportions of CD4+ T cells with ageing (P < 0.01, one-way ANOVA), whereas both young and aged Cfh null mutant mice displayed lower proportions of CD4+ T cells (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05; unpaired t test). Participants with dry AMD and the HH polymorphism had similarly lower proportions of CD4+ T cells (P = 0.024, one-way ANOVA), but no difference in CRP-levels. In the neovascular stage of AMD, there was no difference in proportion of CD4+ cells or CRP levels according to genotype. The risk-associated CFH genotype is associated with an age-related decrease in proportion of CD4+ T cells and increased levels of CRP in healthy individuals. This indicates that decreased complement regulation results in extensive changes in innate and adaptive immune compartments that precede development of AMD.

Sociodemographic predictors associated with the spectrum of non-opportunist neuroretinal disease of non-infectious etiology in patients with HIV/AIDS: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Non-infectious retinal disease, even in the HAART era, continues to be one of the most common diagnoses in patients with HIV, with prevalences of up to 27% of cases. This study aims to characterize the association between demographic variables and their role. As a risk factor for the development of non-opportunistic non-infectious retinal disease in patients with HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

An integrative review of the literature was carried out according to Arksey O'Malley's approach, based on the PICO methodology and following the PRISMA recommendations; An exhaustive search was carried out in databases of articles that were filtered using established criteria, with their extraction and analysis carried out qualitatively.

RESULTS

Ocular manifestations from any cause develop from 35 years of age in patients with HIV/AIDS, with the highest risk for age-related macular degeneration over the fourth decade of life and for the development of neuroretinal disorder on the fifth decade of life; some studies report a slight tendency to diagnose macular degeneration in women and those who acquired AIDS through sexual contact; data contrasted with increased risk for diagnosing neuroretinal disorder in homosexual men who also use intravenous drugs, possibly due to oversampling in studies; non-Hispanic whites and African Americans were the races most commonly affected by neuroretinal disease; the means between the 11.3-14.5 years elapsed since the HIV diagnosis were more frequently associated with cognitive impairment and both in those with high or low CD4 counts, and in patients with high or low viral loads, neuroretinal disease without Statistically significant differences. Adherence and early initiation of HAART had a modest impact on the development of neuroretinal disease.

DISCUSSION

Even in the HAART era, non-infectious neuroretinal disease and cytomegalovirus retinitis remain the most frequent ocular diagnoses, however, different studies argue an increase in age-related non-infectious retinal diseases in patients with HIV, theories that are may explain by the increase in life expectancy, the metabolic effects of HAART itself or the generalized pro-inflammatory state in this group of patients, it is essential to recognize this new diagnostic challenge in order to direct preventive efforts through the use of cost-effective sociodemographic risk predictors towards that technological tools for diagnosis and treatment can be targeted.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV/AIDS patients who present at the ophthalmological consultation with the suggested sociodemographic predictors have a high risk of visual impairment due to non-infectious retinopathy, therefore prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts directed at these diseases should be increased.

Association of elevated plasma inflammatory biomarker levels with age-related macular degeneration but not cataract in persons with AIDS

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between plasma biomarkers of systemic inflammation and incident age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in persons with the AIDS.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

Participants with incident intermediate-stage AMD (N = 26) in the Longitudinal Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (LSOCA) and controls (N = 60) without AMD. Cryopreserved baseline plasma specimens were assayed for biomarkers of inflammation, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-γ inducible protein (IP)-10, soluble CD14 (sCD14), soluble CD163 (sCD163), and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP).

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, baseline mean ± standard deviation (SD) log10(mg/ml) plasma levels of CRP (0.52 ± 0.60 vs. 0.20 ± 0.43; P = 0.01) and mean ± SD log10(pg/ml) plasma levels of sCD14 (6.31 ± 0.11 vs. 6.23 ± 0.14; P = 0.008) were significantly higher among cases (incident AMD) than among controls (no AMD). There was a suggestion that mean ± SD baseline log10(pg/ml) plasma IL-6 levels (0.24 ± 0.33 vs. 0.11 ± 0.29; P = 0.10) might be higher among cases than controls. In a separate analysis of 548 participants in LSOCA, elevated baseline levels of plasma inflammatory biomarkers were associated with a greater risk of mortality but not with an increased risk of incident cataract.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that systemic inflammatory biomarkers are associated with incident AMD but not incident cataract in persons with AIDS, and that systemic inflammation may play a role in the pathogenesis of AMD.

Sociodemographic predictors associated with the spectrum of non-opportunist neuroretinal disease of non-infectious etiology in patients with HIV/AIDS: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Non-infectious retinal disease, even in the HAART era, continues to be one of the most common diagnoses in patients with HIV, with prevalences of up to 27% of cases. This study aims to characterize the association between demographic variables and their role. as a risk factor for the development of non-opportunistic non-infectious retinal disease in patients with HIV/AIDS METHODS: An integrative review of the literature was carried out according to Arksey O'Malley's approach, based on the PICO methodology and following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendations; An exhaustive search was carried out in databases of articles that were filtered using established criteria, with their extraction and analysis carried out qualitatively.

RESULTS

Ocular manifestations from any cause develop from 35 years of age in patients with HIV/AIDS, with the highest risk for age-related macular degeneration over the fourth decade of life and for the development of neuroretinal disorder on the fifth decade of life; some studies report a slight tendency to diagnose macular degeneration in women and those who acquired AIDS through sexual contact; data contrasted with increased risk for diagnosing neuroretinal disorder in homosexual men who also use intravenous drugs, possibly due to oversampling in studies; non-Hispanic whites and African Americans were the races most commonly affected by neuroretinal disease; the means between the 11.3 to 14.5 years elapsed since the HIV diagnosis were more frequently associated with cognitive impairment and both in those with high or low CD4 counts, and in patients with high or low viral loads, neuroretinal disease without Statistically significant differences. Adherence and early initiation of HAART had a modest impact on the development of neuroretinal disease.

DISCUSSION

Even in the HAART era, non-infectious neuroretinal disease and cytomegalovirus retinitis remain the most frequent ocular diagnoses, however, different studies argue an increase in age-related non-infectious retinal diseases in patients with HIV, theories that are may explain by the increase in life expectancy, the metabolic effects of HAART itself or the generalized pro-inflammatory state in this group of patients, it is essential to recognize this new diagnostic challenge in order to direct preventive efforts through the use of cost-effective sociodemographic risk predictors towards that technological tools for diagnosis and treatment can be targeted.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV/AIDS patients who present at the ophthalmological consultation with the suggested sociodemographic predictors have a high risk of visual impairment due to non-infectious retinopathy, therefore prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts directed at these diseases should be increased.

Visual Impairment and Eye Diseases in HIV-infected People in the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Era in Rakai, Uganda

PURPOSE

Antiretroviral therapy reduced infectious eye diseases (EDs) in HIV-infected people. There is limited data on age-related EDs and visual impairment (VI) in people living with HIV. We report prevalence of VI and spectrum of EDs in HIV-infected people in an ART era in Rakai, Uganda.

METHODS

A philanthropic campaign during 2009-2012 provided ophthalmic services to HIV+ patients in care. Unilateral presenting visual acuity (VA) was assessed by a trained staff in HIV clinics using a 6-m Snellen chart. A slit-lamp examination by an ophthalmologist evaluated eyes with impaired acuity. A retrospective chart review was later conducted retrieving data of patients participating the ophthalmic service. VI was defined referencing WHO's ICD-11. Ophthalmic diagnosis was summarized by VI level. Logistic regressions estimated demographic associations with cataract diagnosis.

RESULTS

688 HIV+ patients were evaluated, median age was 44 (IQR: 37-50) years, 69% were female. Fifty-one percent were on ART (median duration 4, IQR: 2-5 years). Crude prevalence of moderate/severe VI and blindness were both 2%. The main diagnoses were refractive error (55%), conjunctivitis (18%), cataract (15%), and pterygium (11%). Cataract prevalences were 10%, 12%, and 26% among age groups of 19-34, 35-49, and ≥50 years, respectively. Cataract was found in 73% of the HIV+s with blindness and in 63% of those with moderate/severe VI. Older age and male sex were significantly associated with higher cataract prevalence.

CONCLUSION

VI in HIV+ patients in Rakai was mainly due to refractive error and cataract. Cataract was common in all age groups.

Cataract Surgery Outcomes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients at a Tertiary Care Academic Medical Center in the United States

Purpose: To compare cataract surgery complications and visual outcomes in patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on eyes undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery at an academic eye center from 1/1/2014 to 8/31/18. Outcomes included best corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraoperative complications, cystoid macular edema (CME), and persistent anterior uveitis (PAU). Binary outcomes were analyzed using logistic regressions with generalized estimating equations. Visual outcomes were analyzed using a linear mixed model.Results: 9756 eyes from 5988 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 66 eyes from 39 patients were HIV positive (HIV+). HIV+ patients were significantly younger at the time of surgery than HIV negative patients (p < .0001). Among HIV+ patients with available lab data, the mean CD4 count was 697.3 (SD = 335.7), and 48.7% of subjects had an undetectable viral load. Five eyes from three HIV+ patients had a history of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR). Positive HIV status was not associated with increased risk of intraoperative complications. Post-operative CDVA was better in the HIV negative group compared to the HIV+ group but not significantly different (about 20/24 vs. 20/28, p = .0829). Eyes from HIV+ patients were at increased risk of developing PAU after surgery (adjusted OR = 6.04, 95% CI: 2.42-15.1, p = .0001), as well as CME (adjusted OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.02-10.4, p = .0470).Conclusions: Eyes from HIV+ patients were at greater risk of developing PAU and clinically significant CME; however, HIV+ patients had similar CDVA after cataract surgery compared to HIV negative patients.

The long-term effect of human immunodeficiency virus infection on retinal microvasculature and the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer: an OCT angiography study

PURPOSE

To investigate the long-term effect of HIV infection on the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and retinal capillary network.

METHODS

This prospective, cross-sectional case-control study included 45 HIV-infected patients and 45 healthy individuals. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used for the assessment of macular, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, vessel density, perfusion density, and foveal avascular zone.

RESULTS

The mean disease duration was 7.3 ± 1.9 years (range, 5-12 years) in the HIV group. The mean CD4 count (nadir) for all the patients was 147.09 ± 122 cells/mm³ and the mean RNA was 173.6 ± 913.8 copies/ml. No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the average and foveal MT (p = 0.05). A significant difference was found between the two groups in respect of the mean VD and PD parameters (p < 0.05). Peripapillary PD was significantly decreased in the HIV group. There was a significant difference between the average and superior and inferior half-region of GC-IPL values. Using Pearson's correlation analysis, no significant correlation was determined between the duration of HIV infection and mean GC-IPL, MT and VD, and PD values (r - 0.223, p 0.141; r - 0.223, p 0.141; r - 0.169, p 0.268; r - 0.105, p 0.491; r - 0.095, p 0.535 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide evidence of microvascular and neuroretinal loss in individuals with well-suppressed HIV infection, compared with healthy control subjects. OCTA is an important test for the screening of retinal microvascular changes over time in HIV-infected cases.

Association of Systemic Inflammation With Retinal Vascular Caliber in Patients With AIDS

Purpose

To evaluate relationships among retinal vascular caliber and biomarkers of systemic inflammation in patients with AIDS.

Methods

A total of 454 participants with AIDS had retinal vascular caliber (central retinal artery equivalent and central retinal vein equivalent) determined from enrollment retinal photographs by reading center graders masked to clinical and biomarker information. Cryopreserved plasma specimens were assayed for inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, interferon-γ inducible protein (IP)-10, kynurenine/tryptophan (KT) ratio, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP).

Results

In the simple linear regression of retinal vascular caliber on plasma biomarkers, elevated CRP, IL-6, and IP-10 were associated with retinal venular dilation, and elevated KT ratio with retinal arteriolar narrowing. In the multiple linear regression, including baseline characteristics and plasma biomarkers, AMD was associated with dilation of retinal arterioles (mean difference: 9.1 μm; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2, 12.9; P < 0.001) and venules (mean difference, 10.9 μm; 95% CI, 5.3, 16.6; P < 0.001), as was black race (P < 0.001). Hyperlipidemia was associated with retinal venular narrowing (mean difference, -7.5 μm; 95% CI, -13.7, -1.2; P = 0.02); cardiovascular disease with arteriolar narrowing (mean difference, -5.2 μm; 95% CI, -10.3, -0.1; P = 0.05); age with arteriolar narrowing (slope, -0.26 μm/year; 95% CI, -0.46, -0.06; P = 0.009); and IL-6 with venular dilation (slope, 5.3 μm/standard deviation log10[plasma IL-6 concentration]; 95% CI, 2.7, 8.0; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These data suggest that retinal vascular caliber is associated with age, race, AMD, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and selected biomarkers of systemic inflammation.

Chemokine Expression in Murine RPE/Choroid in Response to Systemic Viral Infection and Elevated Levels of Circulating Interferon-γ

Purpose

To examine how circulating immune mediators in vivo may affect gene and protein expression at the RPE/choroid interface.

Methods

Young mice were systemically infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) or continuously infused with IFN-γ. RPE/choroid was isolated and analyzed with whole-transcriptome gene expression microarrays. Selected gene expression findings were validated at the protein level.

Results

Both the systemic immune activation from virus infection and the sterile systemically increased level of IFN-γ resulted in increased expression of chemokine ligands, chemokine receptors, and early complement components in isolates of RPE/choroid. These findings were largely absent from LCMV-infected mice deficient in either the interferon α/β receptor or IFN-γ.

Conclusions

Together, these findings demonstrate that acute systemic immune activation results in a local response at the RPE/choroid interface that may include chemokine-dependent recruitment of inflammatory cells and engagement of the complement system. This may represent a link between the systemic low-grade inflammation and the retinal pathology observed in several multifactorial entities such as aging, AMD, and diabetes.

Association of Age-related Macular Degeneration With Mortality in Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Role of Systemic Inflammation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relationships among age-related macular degeneration (AMD), mortality, and biomarkers of systemic inflammation in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

In participants with intermediate-stage AMD at enrollment in the Longitudinal Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (LSOCA) and 2:1 controls matched for age and sex, cryopreserved baseline plasma specimens were assayed for biomarkers of inflammation, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, interferon-γ inducible protein (IP)-10, soluble CD14 (sCD14), soluble CD163 (sCD163), kynurenine/tryptophan (KT) ratio, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP). Main outcome measure was mortality.

RESULTS

The study included 189 patients with AMD and 385 controls. In the unadjusted analysis, AMD was associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02, 2.15; P = .04). In an adjusted analysis, CRP (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.08, 1.71; P = .009), IL-6 (HR 1.45; 95% CI 1.11, 1.90; P = .006), and IP-10 (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.08, 1.84; P = .01) were associated with mortality. In a Cox regression analysis adjusted for human immunodeficiency virus load, blood CD4+ T cell level, CRP, IL-6, and IP-10, the association of AMD with mortality was attenuated (HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.73, 1.59; P = .70), primarily by the addition of the inflammatory biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the increased mortality observed in patients with AIDS with AMD is, at least in part, a result of systemic inflammation.

Geriatric Syndromes in People Living with HIV Associated with Ageing and Increasing Comorbidities: Implications for Neurocognitive Complications of HIV Infection

Long-term survival of treated people living with HIV (PLWH) currently approaches that of the general population. The average age of PLWH is currently in the mid-50s in resource-rich countries and is predicted that over 40% of PLWH will be older than 60 within a decade. Similar trends have been confirmed in all communities of PLWH with access to antiretroviral therapies. However, the positive impact on survival has been challenged by several developments. Ageing PLWH have clinical features similar to the general population about 5-10 years older. In addition to the earlier occurrence of common age-related conditions common geriatric syndromes have also impacted this population prematurely. These are often difficult to evaluate and manage conditions usually of multifactorial aetiology. They include polypharmacy, frailty, impaired mobility and falls, sarcopenia, sensory impairment, and increasingly, non-dementing cognitive decline. Cognitive decline is of particular concern to PLWH and their care providers. In the general geriatric population cognitive impairment increases with age and occurs in all populations with a prevalence of over 25% in people over 80. Effective treatments are lacking and therefore minimizing risk factors plays an important role in maintaining healthspan. In the general population geriatric syndromes may increase the risk of cognitive decline. The corollary is that decreasing the risk of their development may limit cognitive impairment. Whether a similar status holds in PLWH is uncertain. This chapter will address the question of whether common geriatric syndromes in PLWH contribute to cognitive impairment. Common risk factors may provide clues to limit or delay cognitive decline.

Association of Retinal Vascular Caliber and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients With the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between retinal vascular caliber and AMD in patients with AIDS.

Methods

Participants enrolled in the Longitudinal Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS had retinal photographs taken at enrollment. Retinal vascular caliber (central retinal artery equivalent [CRAE] and central retinal vein equivalent [CRVE]) and intermediate-stage AMD were determined from these retinal photographs. Photographs were evaluated by graders at a centralized reading center, using the Age-Related Eye Disease Study grading system for AMD and semiautomated techniques for evaluating retinal vascular caliber.

Results

Of the 1171 participants evaluated, 110 (9.4%) had AMD and 1061 (90.6%) did not. Compared with participants without AMD, participants with AMD had larger mean CRAEs (151 ± 16 μm versus 147 ± 16 μm; P = 0.009) and mean CRVEs (228 ± 24 μm versus 223 ± 25 μm; P = 0.02). The unadjusted differences were: CRAE, 4.3 μm (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-7.5; P = 0.009) and CRVE, 5.5 μm (95% CI 0.7-10.3; P = 0.02). After adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, sex, human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) transmission category, smoking, enrollment and nadir CD4+ T cells, and enrollment and maximum HIV load, the differences between patients with and without AMD were as follows: CRAE, 5.4 μm (95% CI 2.3-8.5; P = 0.001) and CRVE, 6.0 μm (95% CI 1.4-10.6; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

In patients with AIDS, AMD is associated with greater retinal arteriolar and venular calibers, suggesting a role for shared pathogenic mechanisms, such as persistent systemic inflammation.

Ophthalmologic Disease in HIV Infection: Recent Changes in Pathophysiology and Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ophthalmologic conditions were among the earliest described findings in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The purpose of this review is to highlight recent changes in the pathophysiology and management of ophthalmologic conditions in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

RECENT FINDINGS

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996 changed ophthalmologic findings from predominantly acute infectious diseases to chronic, slowly progressive, debilitating conditions. HIV-associated neuroretinal disorder infrequently leads to blindness, but it causes visual disability in a large percentage of patients. Cytomegalovirus retinitis is now seen less commonly in the USA, but it remains an important cause of blindness in HIV-infected patients from developing countries. Immune recovery uveitis has emerged as a major cause of visual disability in the USA. As HIV has become a chronic disease, visual disability due to chronic noninfectious diseases have become increasingly important.