[Ocular complications of HIV/AIDS in Cameroon: is there is any correlation with the level of CD4 lymphocytes count?].
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to identify the ocular complications of HIV/AIDS in Cameroon and to determine if there is any correlation between their occurrence and the level of CD4 lymphocytes count.


METHODS
This prospective study was carried out at the General Hospital, Douala, from October 2004 to September 2005. All HIV positive patients with known CD4 count were retained for the study. Each patient had an exhaustive ocular examination.


RESULTS
A total of 57 patients including 30 females (52.9%) and 27 males (47.4%) were examined. The mean age was 38.9 years +/- 10.3. The eye examination was pathological in 36 patients (63.2%) and normal in 21 patients (36.8%). An ocular complaint was the inaugural manifestation of the disease in 31.6% of patients. The principal lesions of the anterior segment were herpetic keratitis (10.5%) and herpes zoster ophthalmicus (12.3%). The most common posterior segment lesions were cytomegalovirus retinitis (14%) and uveitis (15.8%). The mean CD4 count in our series was 118.3/mm3 +/- 106.7. 91.7% of patients with ocular complications have a CD4 count of less than 200/mm3. A non linear correlation was found between the CD4 level and the occurrence of ocular complications.


CONCLUSIONS
With the improvement of access to antiretroviral treatment, the ocular complications of HIV/AIDS are more common. The role of the ophthalmologist is therefore essential in the diagnosis and management of these patients.
Ebana Mvogo
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Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences Biomédicales, Université de Yaoundé I. Cameroun ebanamvogo@yahoo.fr
Ellong
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Bella
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Luma
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Achu Joko
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D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002163:Cameroon; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies