CLINICAL FEATURES AND TREATMENT OF RETINITIS IN PATIENTS WITH ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME

Abstract

Infectious retinitis developing in the setting of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major ophthalmological complications that can lead to severe visual loss. Despite the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the disease remains relevant in cases of delayed diagnosis and refusal of treatment.

Purpose – to evaluate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of infectious retinitis in patients with AIDS.

Material and methods
The study included 17 patients with AIDS and fundus abnormalities (mean age 34.5 ± 4.29 years). All patients underwent visometry, biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, B-scan ultrasonography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Laboratory investigations included determination of HIV status, cytomegalovirus, syphilis, herpes viruses, and CD4+ lymphocyte levels. All patients received antiretroviral therapy and etiological treatment.

Results
Based on clinical and laboratory assessment, viral and bacterial forms of retinitis were identified; in 82.4% of cases, the process was bilateral. The mean CD4+ level was 60.82 ± 15.4 cells/mm3. After treatment, mean visual acuity increased from 0.31 ± 0.08 to 0.35 ± 0.08. Improvement in visual function was observed in 61.3% of eyes. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was recorded in 5 eyes.

Conclusion
Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of infectious retinitis in patients with AIDS are crucial for preserving visual function.