Abstract
BACKGROUND: HIV-associated retinopathy and other ocular complications remain conditions of concern despite the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). Evaluating people living with HIV (PLWH) to determine the hemodynamic changes in ophthalmic arteries early using Doppler ultrasonography is crucial to modifying care and preventing potential retinal damage. METHODS: This case-control study was carried out on 150 eligible adults on ART and an equal number of age and sex-matched apparently healthy seronegative controls. We performed a comprehensive ocular examination and determined Doppler velocimetric indices (Resistive and Pulsatility index) in both ophthalmic arteries using a 7.5 MHz transducer. RESULTS: A total of 150 participants were included out of which 48% were males and 52% were females. The overall mean age (±standard deviation, SD) of participants was 41 ± 10 years. The prevalence of ocular abnormalities on fundoscopy among PLWH was 13% and 2% among controls. The mean ophthalmic artery Resistive indices (± SD) for HIV-positive participants were 0.73 (± 0.05) and 0.73 (± 0.04) on the right and left eye respectively which was higher than that of the apparently healthy controls at 0.68 (± 0.05) and 0.67 (± 0.05) in the right and left eyes, respectively. Similarly, the mean right and left ophthalmic artery pulsatility indices were higher among PLWH than controls (1.59 ± 0.35 and 1.60 ± 0.33 vs. 1.36 ± 0.33 and 1.44 ± 0.98, respectively). CONCLUSION: Ocular abnormalities are common among PLWH. Ophthalmic artery Doppler indices were significantly higher among PLWH than in their age- and sex-matched healthy controls, indicating some form of ocular vascular resistance. We recommend regular ocular examinations for PLWH in similar settings.