Acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Ocular manifestations

Cytomegalovirus Immune Recovery Retinitis with Similarity to Acute Retinal Necrosis

Purpose: To describe successful treatment of cytomegalovirus immune recovery retinitis, with similarity to acute retinal necrosis, in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the immune recovery stage.Case summary: A 37-year-old man, diagnosed with AIDS 5 years prior, visited our clinic with a chief complaint of visual disturbance in his right eye for 1 week. Slit lamp examination revealed severe inflammation; a light gray retinal lesion with a clear border was present in the inferotemporal area of the peripheral retina. Antiviral (ganciclovir) and oral steroid treatments were initiated. Blood test results indicated that the CD4+ T-cell count was 222/μL. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of anterior puncture findings showed a positive result for cytomegalovirus. Clinical findings were suggestive of acute retinal necrosis, but the patient's condition and examination were also suggestive of cytomegalovirus retinitis in the immune recovery stage. One month after treatment, retinal detachment was observed; surgery was performed. There was no recurrence for 3 years after the second operation and the patient remained in stable condition.Conclusions: In the immune recovery stage, non-specific cytomegalovirus retinitis accompanied by inflammation may exhibit fundus findings similar to acute retinal necrosis. We report a rare case of cytomegalovirus immune recovery retinitis where normal vision was restored via systemic drug treatment and surgery.

Effect of Anti-CMV Therapy at Different Stages on Retinal Detachment in Patients with AIDS and CMVR

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of anti-cytomegalovirus (anti-CMV) therapy at different stages on retinal detachment in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR).

METHODS

Ninety-seven patients with AIDS and CMVR diagnosed and treated at the Ophthalmology and Infection Center of Beijing You'an Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, from November 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 138 eyes included, 30 eyes with concomitant retinal detachment were enrolled as the study subjects. The eyes with retinal detachment were divided into a pre-induction group, an intra-induction group, and a post-induction group of anti-CMV therapy. The occurrence and characteristics of retinal detachment at different stages of anti-CMV therapy were observed.

RESULTS

Retinal detachment occurred in 30 of the 138 eyes of 97 patients, with an incidence of retinal detachment of 21.74%. Retinal detachment occurred in eight eyes in the pre-induction group, with an incidence of 26.67%, and in four eyes in the intra-induction group, with an incidence of 13.33%. The difference in incidence between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.000). Retinal detachment occurred in 18 eyes in the post-induction group, with an incidence of 60%. The difference in incidence between the intra-induction group and the post-induction group was statistically significant (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of retinal detachment at the intra-induction stages of anti-CMV therapy was lower than that at the pre-induction stage, and retinal detachment during the anti-CMV therapy predominantly occurred after the end of the induction stage.

Clinical and Imaging Factors Associated With the Outcomes of Tubercular Serpiginous-like Choroiditis

PURPOSE

To analyze baseline clinical and imaging risk factors associated with poor outcome in patients with tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (TB SLC).

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

METHODS

Charts and fundus photographs of consecutive patients with active TB SLC seen at a single tertiary referral center with 6 months follow-up after initiation of treatment were reviewed. Logistic mixed models were performed to determine the clinical and imaging factors associated with the response to therapy, including the opacity of choroiditis graded according to a 3-point scale.

RESULTS

This study included 203 eyes of 183 patients with active TB SLC. Poor initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and foveal and optic disc involvement were associated with poor response to therapy at 6 months (odds ratio [OR] 4.489, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.92-10.47; P = .001; OR 2.892, 95% CI: 1.23-6.81; P = .015; OR 11.633, 95% CI: 3.17-42.71; P < .001, respectively). The high opacity grades (2 and 3) were also associated with poor outcomes OR 9.541; 95% CI: 2.94-30.91; P = .001). Poor baseline BCVA and high grade of opacity of the lesions were the composite risk factors for paradoxical worsening of TB SLC (OR 7.555, 95% CI: 1.78-32.02; P = 0.006; OR 7.434, 95% CI: 1.34-41.18; P =0.021, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

TB SLC with higher grades of lesion opacity at baseline may be associated with greater risk of poor therapeutic response and paradoxical worsening. Grading of baseline lesion opacity may be used in future prospective studies to predict the biological behavior of the lesions and may serve as a guide to therapeutic interventions.

Human immunodeficiency virus and intraocular inflammation in the era of highly active anti retroviral therapy - An update

Intraocular inflammation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is commonly due to infectious uveitis. Ocular lesions due to opportunistic infections (OI) are the most common and have been described extensively in the pre highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. Many eye lesions were classified as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining illnesses. HAART-associated improvement in immunity of the individual has changed the pattern of incidence of these hitherto reported known lesions leading to a marked reduction in the occurrence of ocular OI. Newer ocular lesions and newer ocular manifestations of known agents have been noted. Immune recovery uveitis (IRU), the new menace, which occurs as part of immune recovery inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in the eye, can present with significant ocular inflammation and can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Balancing the treatment of inflammation with the risk of reactivation of OI is a task by itself. Ocular involvement in the HAART era can be due to the adverse effects of some systemic drugs used in the management of HIV/AIDS. Drug-associated retinal toxicity and other ocular side effects are being increasingly reported. In this review, we discuss the ocular manifestations in HIV patients and its varied presentations following the introduction of HAART, drug-associated lesions, and the current treatment guidelines.

Analysis of new cases of uveitis at academic and community settings

PURPOSE

Describe the demographics of new patients with uveitis presenting to an urban, academic centre and affiliated, suburban satellite clinics to assess if changes in infrastructure were needed for clinical care. Secondarily, examine the frequency of infectious uveitides.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of single academic centre of 436 consecutive, new patients with uveitis (686 eyes) and 3 affiliated, satellite clinics seen by 8 uveitis specialists from 1 July 2013 to 31 March 2017. Demographics recorded included patient age, race, associated systemic disease, uveitis chronicity, and anatomic location. The main outcome measure was comparing frequencies of patient demographics, immunosuppressive agent use, and infectious uveitis between locations.

RESULTS

366 patients (587 eyes) were evaluated at the academic clinic and 70 (99 eyes) at the satellite locations. Anterior uveitis was the most common anatomic location; more acute, unilateral cases were seen at satellites (p=0.007; p=0.002, respectively). A larger percentage of posterior and panuveitis cases presented to the academic centre (p<0.0001). There was no difference in systemic disease association (p=0.925) or infectious uveitis cases (p=0.956). The use of non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive medications was higher at the academic clinic (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior uveitis comprised the majority of cases in both clinics. Non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive agents were used more frequently at the academic clinic, reflecting more cases of chronic posterior and panuveitis. Compounded intravitreal injections, specialised ophthalmic imaging studies and high-risk medication monitoring can be centralised in the academic clinic. Infectious uveitis cases were seen at both locations, with an increase in syphilis diagnoses at the academic centre.

Ocular Surface Disorders in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection

Purpose: To describe ocular surface disorders associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods: Narrative review. Results: Ocular surface neoplastic conditions, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, conjunctival lymphoma and ocular squamous cell carcinoma along with blepharitis, dry eye disease, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis, constitute ocular surface complications in HIV-infected individuals. Conclusion: This review will provide a summary of clinical presentations and treatment options for the most common HIV-related ocular surface diseases, indicating the need for a comprehensive ocular examination including ocular surface in all HIV patients 22.

Successful Treatment of Conjunctival Kaposi Sarcoma in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Negative Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common tumor in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and its frequency is increasing after organ transplantation in HIV-negative patients. A 28-year-old woman had preemptive kidney transplantation from her 48-year-old mother. In the postoperative ninth month, an exophytic mass was found in the upper medial conjunctiva of the right eye. The lesion was excised under local anesthesia, and cryotherapy was applied to the surgical area. The biopsy result was reported as KS. Treatment with tacrolimus was switched to everolimus (EVO), but EVO was discontinued because of pneumonitis. The patient was followed without any recurrences after the excision of the conjunctival lesion. No local or systemic recurrence was observed in the 14th month after surgical excision and local cryotherapy. Local treatment and the reduction of immunosuppressive therapy may be effective in the treatment of conjunctival KS.

Relationship Between Opacity of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Lesion Borders and Severity of Immunodeficiency Among People With AIDS

Purpose

To evaluate risk factors for severity of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis lesion whitening (opacity), using a standardized scoring system.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional, observational investigation of all individuals with newly diagnosed AIDS-related CMV retinitis in three randomized clinical trials and one prospective observational study. Opacity was scored by masked readers, using a prospectively defined ordinal 6-point scale. Demographic factors, laboratory data (CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] blood levels), and lesion characteristics (location, size) were compared to the highest opacity score assigned to either eye. Among eyes with active lesions (scores ≥3), factors associated with severe opacity (scores 5, 6) were identified.

Results

There were 299 participants (401 eyes with CMV retinitis). In one or more comparisons, increased opacity was associated with lower CD4+ and lower CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts, higher HIV blood level, lack of antiretroviral therapy, male sex, race/ethnicity, and bilateral disease. In eyes with active disease, severe opacity was associated with lower CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, higher HIV blood level, older age, Karnofsky score, lesion size, and bilateral disease. No relationship was identified between opacity and lesion location.

Conclusions

Lesion border opacity (resulting from CMV activity) reflects level of immune function; as immunodeficiency becomes worse, CMV activity (and opacity) increases. The positive relationship between opacity and HIV blood level may reflect both immunodeficiency and increased CMV activity caused by transactivation of CMV by HIV. Scoring of opacity may be a useful, standard measure for continued study of CMV retinitis across different settings and populations. (Clinicaltrials.gov number for the HPMPC CMV Retinitis Trial: NCT00000142; Clinicaltrials.gov number for the Monoclonal Antibody CMV Retinitis Trial: NCT00000135; Clinicaltrials.gov number for the Ganciclovir-Cidofovir CMV Retinitis Trial: NCT0000014; Clinicaltrials.gov number for the Longitudinal Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS: NCT00000168.).

Fundus manifestations and HIV viral loads of AIDS patients before and after HAART

AIM

To investigate the fundus manifestations and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral loads of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients before and after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 21 AIDS patients (42 eyes) who presented to the Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from 2007 to 2011. Among the patients, 16 showed a good response to HAART, 3 presented drug resistance and 2 were pre-HAART. All patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. The HIV viral loads and the CD4⁺ T-cell counts were also determined.

RESULTS

The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 38 eyes (19 patients) was improved, and cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in 5 eyes (3 patients) regressed after HAART. Furthermore, 16 patients treated with effective HAART had decreased plasma HIV viral loads (<78 copies/mL) and increased CD4⁺ T-cell counts (343±161 cells/µL, P<0.005), but the HIV viral load in tears was still detected at 2404 copies/mL. The CD4⁺ T-cell count was lower in the CMVR group than in the non-CMVR group (P=0.022), but the HIV viral load in the tears was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.439).

CONCLUSION

Most patients with AIDS show a good viral response with a decreased HIV viral load and an increased CD4⁺ T-cell count in plasma after HAART. However, the HIV viral load remain quite high in the tear samples. Based on our results, we suggest that AIDS patients undergo long-term HAART that should not be interrupted.

Kaposi's sarcoma of the conjunctiva and the eyelid leads to the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection - a case report

Background

The purpose of this case report is to describe a conjunctiva and eyelid Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) as the initial manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which led to the diagnosis of HIV infection. There are only 3 reported cases of ocular KS as an initial manifestation of HIV infection.

Case presentation

A 32-year old white man presented to our department with a 1 month history of eye redness. The patient had an enlarged violet-coloured mass on the right superior eyelid which had evolved over the course of 1 week. There was also a mobile bulbar conjunctival lesion with a bright red colour, approximately 5 mm × 5 mm, in the superior temporal quadrant of his left eye. The lesions looked like a chalazion and a subconjunctival haemorrhage, respectivly. Presumed KS diagnosis was confirmed with HIV-1 positive testing and histopathology from tissue biopsy. The patient’s CD4 count was 23/mm³ and viral RNA load 427,000/ml. Further systemic evaluation showed a diffuse sarcoma.

Conclusion

This case report demonstrates the importance of recognizing the ocular manifestations of AIDS in establishing the correct diagnosis of KS and subsequently diagnosing occult HIV infection. Although ocular KS as the initial manifestation of HIV-AIDS is an extremely rare event, a proper diagnosis may contribute to prompt management with personal and social relevance.

Evolution of Intravitreal Therapy for Retinal Diseases-From CMV to CNV: The LXXIV Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture

PURPOSE

To present the evolution of intravitreal therapy for retinal diseases and its impact on clinical practice.

DESIGN

Retrospective literature review and personal perspective.

METHODS

Retrospective literature review and personal perspective.

RESULTS

Pharmacotherapeutic advances in retinal disease have been remarkable over the last 25 years. Almost all of the new drugs developed have required intravitreal administration to be highly effective, leading to an exponential increase in the annual number of intravitreal injections given. The use of intravitreal antibiotic injections to treat endophthalmitis, usually on a one-time basis, first familiarized ophthalmologists with this method of drug delivery. Ganciclovir was the first widely available, relatively inexpensive compounded drug that was used for repeat intravitreal injection to treat a chronic retinal disease, followed by triamcinolone for diabetic macular edema and bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Ganciclovir was formulated for sustained-release drug delivery to avoid frequent intravitreal injections, a goal that has been more elusive for anti-VEGF drugs. Political obstacles encountered while conducting some of the trials to evaluate these treatments were substantial. Addressing the issues they raised led to important national policy changes that will impact the conduct of future clinical trials. The first comparative efficacy trial of intravitreal therapies was the Comparison of AMD Treatments Trials (CATT). The primary results from CATT and the many publications that followed continue to shape the use of intravitreal therapy today.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal therapy has proven highly effective for the treatment of many retinal diseases. The treatment burden for patients from numerous injections, the cost to health care systems, and the impact on workflows in clinical practice have been substantial. Efforts to develop effective intravitreal therapies with reduced treatment burden and cost are ongoing.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis in the post-cART era

Purpose of review

To review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in the post-combined antiretroviral era (cART) era.

Recent findings

Although cART has dramatically reduced CMVR incidence and morbidity in the HIV population, CMVR continues to cause significant vision loss in both HIV and non-HIV patients, especially amongst patients without immune reconstitution. Advances in imaging including ultra-widefield fundus and autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, and adaptive optics may reflect CMVR activity; however, the diagnosis remains a clinical one. There have been minimal advances in therapy, with several agents no longer available due to market concerns.

Summary

Despite reduced incidence and morbidity in the post-cART HIV population, CMVR continues to cause vision loss amongst HIV and non-HIV patients. Diagnosis remains primarily clinical, and therapy centers upon immune reconstitution along with systemic and/or intravitreal antivirals. Further studies are necessary to determine whether advanced imaging can influence management, and whether novel antiviral agents or adoptive immune transfer have a role in treatment of drug-resistance CMVR.

Choroidal Granuloma Caused by Atypical Mycobacterium in a Patient with AIDS: A Case report

The case presented is a chorioretinal granuloma in a patient with AIDS. The neoformation appeared to be caused by atypical mycobacterium, although it was not possible to isolate the germ. The chorioretinal infection caused by atypical mycobacterium in patients with AIDS occurs very rarely and has so far been described only as a post-mortem finding.

Neurological Presentations of AIDS-when to Test for HIV

Nine of 122 patients dead from AIDS in central London presented with neurological disease, confirmed pathologically in seven. Seven had no other major systemic manifestations. AIDS needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of meningitis, dementia, diffuse and focal encephalopathies, brainstem syndromes, myelopathy, visual failure and peripheral nerve syndromes. As AIDS becomes more widespread there will be an increasing need for diagnostic HIV testing in many neurological syndromes.

High-dose (5000-μg) Intravitreal Ganciclovir Combined with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy for Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in HIV-Infected Patients in Venezuela

Purpose

To describe the use of high doses of intravitreal ganciclovir combined with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.

Methods

Thirteen HIV-infected patients (18 eyes) with active CMV retinitis (83.3% in zone 1 and 38.4% resistant) participated in this prospective interventional case series. Patients were treated with high dose intravitreal ganciclovir (5.0 mg/0.1 mL once a week) in combination with HAART therapy. Intravitreal injections were discontinued once CMV retinitis healed if there was a significant increase in CD4+ count (any increase of ≥50 cells/μL to levels over 100 cells/μL sustained for at least 3 months). Mean follow-up was 15.6 months. Main outcome measures included assessment of visual acuity and retinal inflammation (CMV retinitis activity). A matched historical control group of 20 eyes (15 patients) with CMV retinitis treated with systemic ganciclovir (intravenous [induction] and oral [maintenance]) was included.

Results

Complete regression of the retinitis was obtained with high doses of intravitreal ganciclovir in 88.8% of eyes (two patients died during follow-up) at a mean of 4.5 weeks (2 to 8 weeks). Visual acuity improved two or more lines in 61.1% of eyes. No ganciclovir retinal toxicity was identified. Three eyes presented CMV retinitis reactivation at a mean of 25.6 days after their last injection. Complications (33.3%) included retinal detachment (RD; 3 eyes), immune recovery uveitis (IRU; 2 eyes), and endophthalmitis (1 eye). In our control group complete regression of the retinitis was obtained in 100% of eyes at a mean of 4 weeks (3 to 7 weeks). However, 12 eyes (60%) presented with CMV retinitis relapse at a mean of 29 days (21 to 32 days) after initiating oral ganciclovir (maintenance). Complications included RD (7 eyes, 35%) and IRU (3 eyes, 15%). Severe neutropenia occurred in 2 patients (13%).

Conclusions

High doses of intravitreal ganciclovir (5.0 mg) once a week in combination with HAART therapy is effective to control CMV retinitis, and may be discontinued after CMV retinitis has healed if immune reconstitution with a significant increase in CD4+ count has occurred.

Autoimmunity and dysmetabolism of human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains ill-defined by lists of symptoms, infections, tumors, and disorders in metabolism and immunity. Low CD4 cell count, severe loss of body weight, pneumocystis pneumonia, and Kaposi's sarcoma are the major disease indicators. Lines of evidence indicate that patients living with AIDS have both immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Immunodeficiency is attributed to deficits in the skin- and mucosa-defined innate immunity, CD4 T cells and regulatory T cells, presumably relating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The autoimmunity in AIDS is evident by: (1) overproduction of autoantibodies, (2) impaired response of CD4 cells and CD8 cells, (3) failure of clinical trials of HIV vaccines, and (4) therapeutic benefits of immunosuppression following solid organ transplantation and bone marrow transplantation in patients at risk of AIDS. Autoantibodies are generated in response to antigens such as debris and molecules de novo released from dead cells, infectious agents, and catabolic events. Disturbances in metabolic homeostasis occur at the interface of immunodeficiency and autoimmunity in the development of AIDS. Optimal treatments favor therapeutics targeting on the regulation of metabolism to restore immune homeostasis.

Peripheral Retinal Neovascularization with Vitreous Hemorrhage in HIV Retinopathy

We report a case of peripheral retinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage in the setting of HIV retinopathy that can serve to extend the clinical spectrum of this condition. A 53-year-old African-American woman with AIDS was referred for decreased vision in the left eye and was found to have peripheral retinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage. She had a workup that was negative for etiologies of retinal ischemia. Peripheral laser photocoagulation was used to treat areas of nonperfusion. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of peripheral retinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage in the setting of HIV retinopathy, and it can serve to extend the clinical spectrum of this condition.

Uveitis as an initial manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a multisystem disease that can involve the human eyes. Using ophthalmic examination records from January 2006 to November 2015, we retrospectively reviewed all patients who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in our hospital. The study was performed at a tertiary referral center in southern Taiwan. Data included age, gender, ophthalmic examinations, systemic conditions, CD4 cell counts, course, and treatment. Eleven patients were identified as having AIDS with uveitis as their presenting manifestation. All were men, with a mean age of 39.5 ± 11.4 years (range 24-56). The mean CD4⁺ T-cell counts were 91.7 ± 50.3 cells/μl (range 27-169). Ocular diagnoses included cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in five patients, ocular syphilis in four patients, and ocular toxoplasmosis in two patients. Uveitis resolved in all patients after medical treatment. However, a retinal detachment developed in two eyes in CMV retinitis and one eye in ocular syphilis. Ocular manifestations are among the most common clinical features in patients with HIV/AIDS who have varying clinical presentations that affect almost all ocular structures. This study demonstrated that ocular findings could be an initial manifestation of an underlying disease. Awareness of ocular lesions in HIV/AIDS is important for early recognition and management.

Loss of amplitude of accommodation in pre-presbyopic HIV and AIDS patients under treatment with antiretrovirals

Background: The prevalence of HIV and AIDS is causing an enormous public health burden. Its manifestations spare no organ. Ocular complications are mainly attributed to various opportunistic infections which are directly or indirectly caused by immune deficiency.Purpose and aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of HIV and AIDS on subjective amplitude of accommodation of patients under treatment with antiretrovirals and then to compare their results to those of control subjects.Methods: The study took place over a period of 10 months. A quantitative study was carried out on 58 subjects (29 ± 5.5 years) with HIV and AIDS and 35 (28.67 ± 4.6 years) controls of similar age. Amplitude of accommodation was measured using the subjective Royal Air Force push-up method. The influence of CD4+ cell count was also recorded.Results: People with HIV and AIDS had lower mean amplitude of accommodation (5.69 ± 0.88 D) compared to controls (8.53 ± 1.2 D). The decrease in amplitude of accommodation did not show any correlation with the CD4+ cell count. Lower amplitude of accommodation exists in people living with HIV and AIDS when compared with age-related healthy people.Conclusion: The results suggest that patients with HIV and AIDS on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) have reduced amplitude of accommodation and might experience presbyopia earlier in life than participants without HIV and AIDS. The reduced amplitude of accommodation could be the initial presentation of HIV infection before the systemic manifestation. The possible causes could be the direct neuronal infection by HIV-1, ARVs use, pathological changes of the lens and ciliary muscle or the sensory component of the visual system. It is unknown whether the reduced amplitude of accommodation occurred prior to antiretroviral therapy or represents an ongoing injury to the eye and visual system by the HIV.

Effect of Ganciclovir on the Hydrolytic Degradation of Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Microspheres

Ganciclovir (GCV)-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres, 125 ± 11 μm in diameter, are produced using the emulsification/solvent evaporation technique. The release rate of the drug is studied for 20 weeks in a phosphate-buffered solution of pH 7 at 37°C. The release of the drug shows a triphasic release pattern, i.e., an initial burst, a diffusive phase, and a second burst. The initial burst occurs within the first 2 days of immersion. After the burst, the release is by diffusion for up to 13 weeks, followed by another burst release, which signals the onset of bulk degradation of the PLGA polymer. The presence of GCV molecules decreases the hydrolytic rate of PLGA degradation. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy are used to assess the hydrolytic degradation and drug release rate of the microspheres.

Eye examination for early diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis in patients with AIDS

Choroidal tuberculosis is present in 5-20% of patients with disseminated tuberculosis, and point-of-care dilated binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy eye examination can provide immediate diagnosis. In geographical areas of high tuberculosis prevalence and in susceptible patients (CD4 counts less than 200 cells per μL) detection of choroidal granulomas should be accepted as evidence of disseminated tuberculosis. With training and proper support, eye screening can be done by HIV/AIDS clinicians, allowing early tuberculosis treatment. In regions with a high burden of tuberculosis, we recommend that eye screening be a standard part of the initial assessment of susceptible patients, including at a minimum all patients with HIV/AIDS with CD4 less than 100 cells per μL with or without eye symptoms, and with or without suspicion of disseminated tuberculosis.

Incidence Rate and Risk Factors for Contralateral Eye Involvement among Patients with AIDS and Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Treated with Local Therapy

PURPOSE

To calculate the incidence of, and to identify the risk factors for developing contralateral eye involvement among patients with AIDS and unilateral cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV retinitis), who were treated, in the era of highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), with repetitive intravitreal ganciclovir injections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical records of 119 patients were included. The main outcome measurement was the occurrence of contralateral eye involvement.

RESULTS

Over a mean follow-up period of 1.6 years, the overall incidence rate of contralateral involvement was 0.17/person-year. The cumulative incidence of contralateral involvement at 6 months and 1 year was 23.8% and 28.4%, respectively. Receiving HAART at the visit before the event was associated with a decreased risk of developing contralateral retinitis (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of HAART, associated with subsequent immune recovery, significantly reduced the incidence of contralateral eye involvement by approximately 75% among patients in our setting.

Ophthalmic Manifestations of HIV Patients in a Rural Area of Western Maharashtra, India

Introduction. HIV/AIDS is one of twenty first century's biggest global challenges to mankind with protean manifestations affecting all organs of our body, not even sparing the eyes. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS and their correlation with CD4-count in a rural area of India. Methods. A hospital based observational cross-sectional study was done on 40 HIV-positive patients presenting to ART center with ocular complaints. Data were collected using face-to-face interview, clinical examination, slit lamp examination, fundus examination, and laboratory investigations. Results. Out of 40 patients, 21 were males and 19 were females with mean age of 38.75 ± 13.9 years. HIV retinopathy was the most common HIV-associated ophthalmic lesion while anterior uveitis was the most common anterior segment finding. Posterior segment lesions showed significant association (P < 0.05) with low CD4-count of the patient. CMV retinitis, retinal detachment, tubercular chorioretinitis, and acute retinal necrosis were all seen in patients with CD4-count less than 100 cells/mm³. Conclusions. HIV retinopathy, CMV retinitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and anterior uveitis are common ocular manifestations associated with HIV infection. Low CD4-count is a risk as well as predictor for ocular manifestations. There needs to be awareness of ocular involvement among HIV infected individuals and an increased emphasis on regular ophthalmic examination.

Uveitis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons with CD4+ T-lymphocyte count over 200 cells/mL

BACKGROUND

Introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has altered the course of disease for persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus by elevating CD4+ T-lymphocyte levels. Changes in the spectrum of systemic diseases encountered in human immunodeficiency virus-positive individuals are reported in the general medical literature.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-one individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus, who presented with uveitis when the peripheral CD4+ T-lymphocyte count was over 200 cells/μL.

METHODS

Standardized data collection at seven tertiary-referral inflammatory eye disease clinics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature anatomic classification and descriptors, cause of uveitis, and visual acuity

RESULTS

Peripheral CD4+ T cell counts varied between 207 and 1777 (median = 421) cells/μL at the time of diagnosis of uveitis. Uveitis was classified anatomically as anterior (47.5%), intermediate (6.6%), anterior/intermediate (16.4%), posterior (14.8%) and pan (14.8%). Specific causes of uveitis included infections (34.4%), with syphilis responsible for 16.4% of all cases, and defined immunological disorders (27.0%); no cause for the inflammation was identified in 34.4% of persons. Visual acuity was better than 6/15 in 66.7% and 6/60 or worse in 11.8% of 93 eyes at presentation, and better than 6/15 in 82.4% and 6/60 or worse in 8.8% of 34 eyes at 1 year of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Both infectious and non-infectious forms of uveitis occur in individuals who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus and have preserved or restored peripheral CD4+ T cell levels. Individuals who are human immunodeficiency virus-positive and present with uveitis should be evaluated in the same way all patients with uveitis are assessed.

Ocular Manifestations in Patients with HIV Infection/AIDS who were Referred from the ART Centre, Hassan, Karnataka, India

BACKGROUND

Ocular involvement in HIV infection/AIDS is very common and it includes various clinical presentations which may be asymptomatic or atypical or they may be the initial manifestations of the underlying disease. The severity of these lesions increases as the immune competency decreases, leading to visual impairment or blindness.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and the types of HIV associated ocular conditions and their effect on the vision in patients with HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

This cross sectional study was based on the patients with HIV infection/AIDS, who were referred to the Ophthalmic OPD, District hospital, Hassan. These patients were referred from the District ART Centre for a complete ophthalmic evaluation, irrespective of their immune status and the presence or absence of symptoms. All the patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, which included both anterior and posterior segment evaluation and colour vision assessment.

RESULTS

Out of the 553 patients, 66% belonged to the age group of 21-40 years. 87% of the patients had a BCVA of >6/18, whereas 4.7% had very poor vision. 37.6% of the patients had ocular manifestations. Anterior segment, posterior segment and neuro-ophthalmic manifestations were seen in 7%, 9.94% and 5.79% of the patients respectively. The most common anterior segment manifestation was recurrent lid infections, while HIV microangiopathy was the most common posterior segment manifestation. The other unusual findings included an abnormal colour vision in 6.3% of the patients and bilateral lid retraction in 8.5% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Since ocular manifestations are very common and as they can occur at any time during the course of HIV infection, an awareness on various patterns of the ocular disease and the screening of all the patients with HIV infection/AIDS is a must.

Risk of cataract in persons with cytomegalovirus retinitis and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate cataract risk in eyes of patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and to identify risk factors.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis.

METHODS

Patients 13 years of age and older were enrolled between 1998 and 2008. Demographic and clinical characteristics, slit-lamp biomicroscopy findings, and dilated ophthalmoscopy results were documented at quarterly visits. Cataract status was determined at the initial visit (prevalence) and at follow-up visits (incidence).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

For cataract, a high grade of lens opacity by biomicroscopy to which best-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40 was attributed. Eyes that had undergone cataract surgery before enrollment or between visits also were counted as having cataract.

RESULTS

Seven hundred twenty-nine eyes of 489 patients diagnosed with CMV retinitis were evaluated. Higher prevalence was observed for patients with bilateral versus unilateral CMV retinitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76-4.26) and, among unilateral CMV retinitis cases, for eyes with retinitis versus without retinitis (15% vs. 1.4%; P<0.0001). The age-adjusted prevalence of cataract among CMV retinitis cases was higher than that in a population-based sample (P<0.0001). Cataract prevalence increased with age (aOR, 11.77; 95% CI, 2.28-60.65 for age ≥ 60 years vs. younger than 40 years) and longer duration of retinitis (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.20-1.54 per year). Among eyes with CMV retinitis initially free of cataract, the cataract incidence was 8.1%/eye-year (95% CI, 6.7%-10.0%). Prior retinal detachment was associated with higher cataract risk (if repaired with silicone oil: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 10.37; 95% CI, 6.51-16.52; otherwise: aHR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.73-4.87). Large CMV retinitis lesions also were associated with higher risk of cataract (for involvement of 25-49% retinal area: aHR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.51-3.50; for ≥ 50% involvement: aHR, 3.63; 95% CI, 2.18-6.04), each with respect to ≤ 24% involvement, as were anterior segment inflammation (aHR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.59-3.25) and contralateral cataract (aHR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.74-3.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is associated with a high absolute and relative risk of cataract. Among several risk factors, large retinal lesion size and use of silicone oil in retinal detachment repair are potentially modifiable, albeit not in all cases. Cataract is likely to be an increasingly important cause of visual morbidity in this population.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis after central retinal vein occlusion in a patient on systemic immunosuppression: does venooclusive disease predispose to cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients already at risk?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis remains the most common opportunistic ocular infection in immunocompromised patients. Patients with immunocompromising diseases, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, inherited immunodeficiency states, malignancies, and those on systemic immunosuppressive therapy, are known to be at risk. Recently, it has been suggested that patients undergoing intravitreal injection of immunosuppressive agents may also be predisposed. One previous case report speculated that there may be an additional risk for CMV retinitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with venoocclusive disease. This case study presents a case of CMV retinitis following central retinal vein occlusion in a patient on systemic immunosuppressants.

Ocular manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Korea

The clinical features of HIV/AIDS-related ocular manifestations in Korean patients were investigated in this study. Data on 200 consecutive Korean patients diagnosed with AIDS who visited the Seoul National University Hospital from January 2003 to June 2008 were reviewed. Fifty-seven patients (28.5%) had ocular manifestations, and they showed significantly lower CD4+ T cell count than patients without ocular manifestations. Among them, 23 (40.3%) patients showed retinal microvasculopathy, and 22 (38.5%) patients showed cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Other manifestations included retinal vein occlusion (n = 4), herpes zoster ophthalmicus (n = 4), syphilitic uveitis (n = 2), acute retinal necrosis (n = 1), and progressive outer retinal necrosis (n = 1). The mean CD4+ lymphocyte counts of the patients with retinal microvasculopathy and cytomegalovirus retinitis were 108.5 cells/µL and 69.4 cells/µL, respectively. In conclusion, ocular manifestations including CMV retinitis are common complications in Korean patients with AIDS even in the era of highly active anti-retroviral therapy. Compared to previous reports in western countries, prevalence of CMV retinitis is relatively low and CD4+ lymphocytes count at the time of diagnosis is relatively high.

Patterns of acute rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) infection predict long-term RhCMV infection

We previously reported that long-term rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) excretion in infected macaques was related to UL/b' coding content. Acute biopsy specimens of the inoculation sites from the previous study have now been analyzed to determine whether there were acute phenotypic predictors of long-term RhCMV infection. Only in animals displaying acute endothelial tropism and neutrophilic inflammation was RhCMV excretion detected. The results imply that vaccinating against these early viral determinants would significantly impede long-term RhCMV infection.

AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma of the conjunctiva in a woman

Conjunctival involvement by AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is rare, more so in women. We present a case of a 34-year-old African-American woman with AIDS, who was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with KS of the conjunctiva. To date there are only a few reported cases of AIDS-associated conjunctival KS in the literature. This case is the first case of AIDS-associated conjunctival KS in an African-American woman and emphasizes the importance of considering KS as a differential diagnosis of the conjunctival mass in HIV-positive patients.

Review for disease of the year: differential diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis

The diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis is mainly clinical, based in the presence of focal necrotizing retinochoroiditis often associated with a preexistent chorioretinal scar, and variable involvement of the vitreous, retinal blood vessels, optic nerve, and anterior segment of the eye. Recognition of this clinical spectrum of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is crucial, but other infectious, noninfectious, and neoplastic entities should also be considered in the differential diagnosis. Investigations such as serological tests, polymerase chain reaction of ocular fluids, and assessment of intraocular antibody synthesis are helpful in uncertain cases. This article provides an overview of the differential diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis, focusing on the most important entities to be considered and emphasizing distinctive features of each one of them in the clinical setting. Ocular toxoplasmosis has multiple clinical manifestations, which partially overlap with those of other entities and these should be carefully considered when making the differential diagnosis, particularly in less typical cases.

Open reading frames carried on UL/b' are implicated in shedding and horizontal transmission of rhesus cytomegalovirus in rhesus monkeys

Implicit with the use of animal models to test human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) vaccines is the assumption that the viral challenge of vaccinated animals reflects the anticipated virus-host interactions following exposure of vaccinated humans to HCMV. Variables of animal vaccine studies include the route of exposure to and the titer of challenge virus, as well as the genomic coding content of the challenge virus. This study was initiated to provide a better context for conducting vaccine trials with nonhuman primates by determining whether the in vivo phenotype of culture-passaged strains of rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) is comparable to that of wild-type RhCMV (RhCMV-WT), particularly in relation to the shedding of virus into bodily fluids and the potential for horizontal transmission. Results of this study demonstrate that two strains containing a full-length UL/b' region of the RhCMV genome, which encodes proteins involved in epithelial tropism and immune evasion, were persistently shed in large amounts in bodily fluids and horizontally transmitted, whereas a strain lacking a complete UL/b' region was not shed or transmitted to cagemates. Shedding patterns exhibited by strains encoding a complete UL/b' region were consistent with patterns observed in naturally infected monkeys, the majority of whom persistently shed high levels of virus in saliva for extended periods of time after seroconversion. Frequent viral shedding contributed to a high rate of infection, with RhCMV-infected monkeys transmitting virus to one naïve animal every 7 weeks after introduction of RhCMV-WT into an uninfected cohort. These results demonstrate that the RhCMV model can be designed to rigorously reflect the challenges facing HCMV vaccine trials, particularly those related to horizontal transmission.

Seven Years of HAART Impact on Ophthalmic Management of HIV-Infected Patients

PURPOSE

The widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the clinical picture of HIV-associated eye disease. We evaluated the incidence of ocular manifestations of HIV infection since the introduction of HAART.

METHODS

Between January 1996 and December 2002, we examined 539 HIV-infected patients in our hospital. Follow-up of the patients was performed in case of ophthalmologic symptoms, regardless of current immunologic status, or for screening.

RESULTS

A total of 217 patients (40.3%) had HIV-associated eye disease. Of these patients, 42.0% had no eye symptoms. Fifty-eight (10.8%) of the 539 patients had cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, most of whom had CMV retinitis before receiving HAART. Four patients developed immune-recovery uveitis. A total of 145 patients (26.9%) had HIV-related microangiopathy and 96 (17.8%) had dry-eye syndrome.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of HAART had a major impact on the medical history of patients with HIV-related eye disease with improved survival time and decreased morbidity.