The ocular complications among pediatric patients with acute
lymphoblastic leukemia: 10 years retrospective study
Abstract
Purpose: Investigate the incidence of ocular complications in
pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), focusing on
steroid-induced ocular hypertension, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis,
and fungal chorioretinitis. Methods: We performed a
retrospective study among pediatric patients with ALL during the period
from January 2013 to December 2022. The ocular manifestations,
complications, and patients’ condition were recorded and analyzed.
Results: This retrospective study analyzed 167 patients with
ALL diagnosed between 2013-2022. Ocular examinations (including
intraocular pressure and/or retinal evaluation) were performed for 114
patients. Among examined patients, 37% (32/87) developed
steroid-induced ocular hypertension with mean intraocular pressure
(IOP): 25.08 mmHg, 95% CI [24.11, 26.06] which demonstrated a
significant difference compared to the study’s population’s (18.94 mmHg,
95% CI [17.98,19.90]). One patient had unilateral cytomegalovirus
(CMV) retinitis, and three had fungal chorioretinitis.
Conclusion: This 10-year retrospective study highlights the
substantial occurrence of ocular hypertension, and infectious
chorioretinitis, emphasizing the importance of early ophthalmic
evaluation and prompt intervention for pediatric ALL patients. Further
prospective studies are needed to refine risk assessment and optimize
management strategies.