Ophthalmic manifestations of relapsing acute childhood leukemia

Ophthalmic Manifestations in Acute Leukemia Patients and Their Relation With Hematological Parameters in a Tertiary Care Center

Background: Leukemia is a neoplastic disorder that affects blood and bone marrow and is characterized by white blood cells' abnormal proliferation. Leukemia patients may present with different ophthalmic manifestations. This study aims to provide an updated data about the prevalence and types of ocular manifestations in acute leukemia patients and their relation with the hematological parameters.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included all acute leukemia patients diagnosed from 2015 to 2020 and underwent an ophthalmic examination during this period at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah.

Results: Eighty-one patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and had ophthalmic examinations. Forty-three (53.1%) patients were males, and 38 (46.9%) patients were females. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) was diagnosed in 55 (67.9%) patients, while acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) was diagnosed only in 26 (32.1%). Ophthalmic manifestations were observed in 23 patients with a prevalence of 28.4%. AML patients had more manifestations with a rate of 38.5%. ALL had a rate of 23.6% (p=0.1). Retinal hemorrhage was the most commonly seen manifestation in six patients.

Conclusion: Ophthalmic manifestations are not uncommon in acute leukemia patients. Low hemoglobin and RBC could give an idea about the type of ophthalmic manifestation, not the presence or absence. It is highly recommended to examine acute leukemia patients routinely prior, during, and after the treatment to prevent serious ocular damage and monitor the course of the disease.