Topical Steroids, HIV Status, CD4 Cells and Corneal Health
Emmanuel Olu Megbelayin *
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Stephen Mbosowo Ekpenyong
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Chiedozie Kingsley Ojide
Department of Microbiology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A 36 year old patient presented with a history of pain and progressive loss of vision in the right eye which had lasted for 2 months. He was on topical steroids for about one year before presentation with a CD4 cell of 200cells/μL. Examination reviewed a perforated cornea with a huge uveal prolapse. Topical steroids were immediately discontinued and patient placed on topical and systemic antibiotics. Following resolution of the clinical signs, Gunderson’s flap was raised to cover the prolapsed uvea. By 6th week post-op, a vascularised pseudo cornea had covered the exposed uvea resulting in cessation of pain in the eye. Conclusion: Gunderson’s flap is a viable option for a prolapsed uvea in an immuno-incompetent patient.
Keywords: Steroids, CD4 cells, HIV, cornea