[Ocular manifestations in HIV/AIDS patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) in Togo]

Aim: The twofold purpose of this study in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV/AIDS) and undergoing highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) was to determine the prevalence of ocular manifestations and its correlation with CD4 T-cell count.
Patients and methods: All patients who attended 2 NGO care centers that manage PLHIV/AIDS in Lomé, Togo between August and October 2005 were recruited. CD4 T-cell counts and use of antiretroviral treatment was noted. A thorough eye examination was performed in all cases.
Results: A total of 422 PLHIV/SIDA were recruited including 281 who were undergoing HAART. The sex-ratio was 2 female/1 male. Mean age was 34 +/- 2294 years. Involvement of the anterior segment was observed in 36.3% of patients and involvement of the posterior segment in 54.1%. The second most common ocular manifestation was ophthalmic herpes zoster of the anterior segment (19.6%) secondary to conjunctivitis (57.8%). One case of palpebral and conjunctival Kaposi’s sarcoma was noted. The most common type of posterior segment involvement was cotton-wool nodules (35.5%). Five cases of CMV retinitis were observed.
Conclusion: A longitudinal study in PLHIV/AIDS will be needed to better evaluate the correlation between ocular manifestations and CD4 T-cell count.