Sickle cell retinopathy
| Sickle cell retinopathy | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Ophthalmology, optometry |
| Complications | Blindness |
| Causes | Sickle cell disease |
| Risk factors | Heredity |
| Diagnostic method | Eye examination |
| Treatment | Medical, laser and surgery |
Sickle cell retinopathy can be defined as retinal changes due to blood vessel damage in the eye of a person with a background of sickle cell disease. It can likely progress to loss of vision in late stages due to vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment.[1] Sickle cell disease is a structural red blood cell disorder leading to consequences in multiple systems. It is characterized by chronic red blood cell destruction, vascular injury, and tissue ischemia causing damage to the brain, eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen, and musculoskeletal system.[1][2]
People affected by sickle cell disease are commonly of African or Asian descent.[3] Emigration patterns towards the Western Hemisphere have led to increased numbers of persons affected by sickle cell disease in regions where it was previously uncommon. Knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease and its management are now increasingly relevant in areas such as the European Union.[3] At a young age, a great proportion of people living with sickle cell disease can develop retinal changes. Sickle cell disease consists of several subtypes; however, the Haemoglobin type C (HbSC) subtype carries the gravest prognosis for sickle cell retinopathy and vision changes.[2]
Regular retinal examinations can aid in early detection and treatment, thus reducing the impact of the condition and the risk of vision loss. Development and progression of sickle cell retinopathy can be favorably modified through management of the underling sickle cell disease. Treatment of the general disease can ameliorate its systemic effects.[3][4]
- ^ a b Pahl DA, Green NS, Bhatia M, Chen RW (November 2017). "New Ways to Detect Pediatric Sickle Cell Retinopathy: A Comprehensive Review". Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. 39 (8): 618–625. doi:10.1097/MPH.0000000000000919. PMC 5656515. PMID 28737601.
- ^ a b Ribeiro MV, Jucá JV, Alves AL, Ferreira CV, Barbosa FT, Ribeiro ÊA (December 2017). "Sickle cell retinopathy: A literature review". Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira. 63 (12): 1100–1103. doi:10.1590/1806-9282.63.12.1100. PMID 29489976.
- ^ a b c Abdalla Elsayed ME, Mura M, Al Dhibi H, Schellini S, Malik R, Kozak I, Schatz P (July 2019). "Sickle cell retinopathy. A focused review". Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv für Klinische und Experimentelle Ophthalmologie. 257 (7): 1353–1364. doi:10.1007/s00417-019-04294-2. hdl:11392/2481989. PMID 30895451. S2CID 84186180.
- ^ Amissah-Arthur KN, Mensah E (August 2018). "The past, present and future management of sickle cell retinopathy within an African context". Eye. 32 (8): 1304–1314. doi:10.1038/s41433-018-0162-8. PMC 6085343. PMID 29991740.