Pediatric Ocular Manifestations of HIV/AIDS in Makurdi Benue State, A Hyperendemic State in Nigeria

Abstract

Benue State, Nigeria, currently has the highest seroprevalence nationwide. Data available from developed countries and the few available ones from the developing countries have all indicated that the pattern and prevalence of HIV-related ocular morbidity in the paediatric population is quite different from those that occur in the adult population.This study is aimed at ascertaining the pattern of ocular affectations of HIV-infected paediatric age group. A retrospective study of all the children aged 1-16 years, diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS who presented to the eye unit or were seen by Invitation for Consultation in other units of the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi between June 2002 to May 2006. A register was open in the Eye Department of Federal Medical Centre between June 2002 to May 2007. Extracted from this register were the bio-data of the patients, Ocular presentation, corrected Visual acuity and Ocular diagnosis of all Seropositive HIV/AIDS children reviewed. Of all the358 seropositive children, only 121 ( 33.8% ) had ocular affectations. . There were 206 (57.5%) males 152 (42.5%) females. The most common anterior segment lesions were conjunctival microangiopathy, non-purulent conjunctivitis, recurrent chalazion and external hordeolum. The most prevalent posterior segment ocular lesions were peri-vasculitis, toxoplasmal retinochoroiditis retinal haemorhages, and macular edema. In conclusion, posterior segment and neuro-ophthalmic complications of the HIV/AIDS were the major causes of ocular morbidity and visual impairment. Ocular assessment is of paramount importance for early detection and management of vision threatening complication of HIV/AIDS in children.

Key words: HIV, AIDS, Paediatric, Hyper-endemic State, Benue State.