Vitamin A status in relation to electroretinographic and electrooculographic findings in HIV infection

Objectives: To investigate the electrooculogram (EOG) and an expanded batte ry of electroretinograms (ERGs) in HIV-infected subjects without retinopath y at two different levels of immunosuppression. Consideration was given to the possible effects of serum levels of vitamin A. Methods: Two groups of neurologically normal HIV-positive subjects with CD4 + cell counts of <200 (n = 17) or >400 (n = 19) were contrasted with 20 HI V-negative controls. Rod ERGs, oscillatory potentials and cone ERGs were ob tained using ganzfeld stimulation. A sequence of dark- and light-adapted EO G recordings was analyzed to obtain light/dark ratios. The HIV-positive sub jects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination. Results: Intergroup comparisons failed to reveal any significant intergroup differences. Abnormal ERG findings, those exceeding the 98% confidence lim its, occurred in 11% (4/36) of the HPV-positive subjects. One of these subj ects was hyporetinemic and another had a subnormal retinol level. No subjec ts had abnormal EOGs. Conclusions: HIV infection influenced retinal function in 11% of a group of neurologically normal subjects without clinical signs of retinopathy. The profile of electrophysiological findings suggested predominant functional d eficits involving middle or inner retinal layers. Vitamin A deficiency and possible vascular changes could account for the observed ERG abnormalities. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.