Clinical Features and CD4+ T Cells Count in AIDS Patients with CMV Retinitis: Correlation with Mortality

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To explore the all-cause mortality in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients with CMV retinitis (CMVR) presented to a tertiary referral center in Singapore from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2015.

Results

A total of 144 patients were studied (87 survived, 11 lost to follow up, 46 died). Patients with bilateral CMVR and six-month follow up CD4 + T cell count < 50 cells/mm³ have shorter time to mortality, compared to patients with CD4 + T cell count > 50 cells/mm³ (p < .001) and unilateral disease (p = .043). Baseline CD4 + T cell count, size and zone of initial primary retinitis lesions, recurrences of retinitis, and timing of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) are not significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Bilateral ocular involvement and lack of immune recovery in patients with AIDS and CMVR are associated with shorter survival time.

KEYWORDS:

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• retinitis
• acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• CD4+ T cells count
• mortality
• combined antiretroviral therapy (cART)
• immune recovery

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.