Résumé

Problème

La rétinite à cytomégalovirus (CMV) liée au syndrome d'immunodéficience acquise (SIDA) continue à être une source négligée de cécité dans les zones à faibles ressources. Le principal problème est la capacité insuffisante à diagnostiquer la rétinite à CMV dans les établissements cliniques où les patients reçoivent des soins et où les autres infections opportunistes sont diagnostiquées.

Approche

Nous avons développé et mis en œuvre un atelier de formation d'une durée de quatre jours pour former les cliniciens travaillant dans les cliniques traitant le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH) à effectuer une ophtalmoscopie indirecte binoculaire et à diagnostiquer la rétinite à CMV. Les ateliers comprenaient à la fois un enseignement didactique en salle de classe et des examens cliniques et directs des yeux chez les patients atteints du SIDA à un stade avancé. Entre 2007 et 2013, 14 ateliers de travail ont été organisés en Chine, au Myanmar et en Fédération de Russie.

Environnement local

Les ateliers ont eu lieu avec des cliniciens locaux dans des cliniques traitant le VIH, soutenues par des organisations non gouvernementales, dans des hôpitaux municipaux publics et dans des hôpitaux provinciaux de référence pour les maladies infectieuses. Chaque établissement disposait d'un accès limité, voire d'aucun accès, à des ophtalmologistes localement formés et à une population infectée par le VIH à un stade avancé.

Changements significatifs

Les cliniciens ont appris à effectuer une ophtalmoscopie indirecte binoculaire et à diagnostiquer la rétinite à CMV. Un an après l'atelier, 32/38 stagiaires du Myanmar effectuaient systématiquement l'examen des yeux pour le diagnostic précoce de la rétinite à CMV dans le cadre des soins standard pour les patients à risque. En Chine et en Fédération de Russie, les taux de succès ont été plus faibles, avec 10/15 et 3/5 stagiaires, respectivement, ayant fourni des données de suivi.

Leçons tirées

Les compétences nécessaires pour le dépistage et le diagnostic de la rétinite à CMV peuvent être enseignées dans un atelier de formation spécialisée d'une durée de quatre jours. La réussite de la mise en œuvre dépend du soutien institutionnel, de la formation continue et du soutien technique. Le prochain défi est d'étendre cette approche dans d'autres pays.

Resumen

Situación

La retinitis por citomegalovirus (CMV) relacionada con el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA) sigue siendo una fuente desatendida de ceguera en entornos con recursos insuficientes. El problema principal es la falta de capacidad para diagnosticar la retinitis por CMV en el entorno clínico donde los pacientes reciben atención y se diagnostican el resto de infecciones oportunistas.

Enfoque

Desarrollamos y pusimos en práctica un taller de cuatro días para formar a médicos que trabajan en clínicas en las que se trata el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en la realización de la oftalmoscopia indirecta binocular y en el diagnóstico de la retinitis por CMV. Los talleres incluyeron una instrucción didáctica en el aula y exámenes oftalmológicos clínicos directos en pacientes con SIDA avanzado. Entre 2007 y 2013, se llevaron a cabo 14 talleres en China, Myanmar y la Federación de Rusia.

Marco regional

Se realizaron talleres con médicos locales en las clínicas del VIH con el apoyo de organizaciones no gubernamentales, hospitales municipales públicos y hospitales provinciales de enfermedades infecciosas. Todos los emplazamientos presentaban un acceso a oftalmólogos formados a nivel local limitado o nulo y una población de personas infectadas por el VIH con enfermedad avanzada.

Cambios importantes

Los médicos aprendieron a realizar la oftalmoscopia indirecta binocular y a diagnosticar la retinitis por CMV. Un año después del taller, 32/38 aprendices en Myanmar realizaban el examen oftalmológico sistemático para el diagnóstico precoz de la retinitis por CMV como parte de la atención estándar para los pacientes en riesgo. En China y la Federación de Rusia, las tasas de éxito fueron menores, con 10/15 y 3/5 aprendices, respectivamente, que proporcionaban datos de seguimiento.

Lecciones aprendidas

Las competencias necesarias para la detección y el diagnóstico de la retinitis por CMV pueden enseñarse en un taller de formación especializada de cuatro días de duración. El éxito de la puesta en práctica depende del apoyo institucional, de la formación continua y de la asistencia técnica. El próximo desafío consistirá en extender este enfoque a otros países.

ملخص

المشكلة

ما زال التهاب شبكية العين الناجم عن الفيروسة المضخمة للخلايا ذات الصلة بمتلازمة العوز المناعي المكتسب (الأيدز) مصدراً مهملاً للعمى في البيئات فقيرة الموارد. وتتمثل المشكلة الرئيسية في الافتقار إلى القدرة على تشخيص التهاب شبكية العين الناجم عن الفيروسة المضخمة للخلايا في البيئة السريرية التي يتلقى فيها المرضى الرعاية ويتم تشخيص جميع حالات العدوى الانتهازية الأخرى.

الأسلوب

قمنا بتنظيم وتنفيذ حلقة عمل لمدة أربعة أيام لتدريب الأخصائيين السريريين العاملين في عيادات فيروس العوز المناعي البشري على كيفية إجراء تنظير العين غير المباشر ثنائي العينية وتشخيص التهاب شبكية العين الناجم عن الفيروسة المضخمة للخلايا. واشتملت حلقات العمل على إرشادات تعليمية وفحوصات سريرية مباشرة لعيون مرضى الحالات المتقدمة من الأيدز. وبين 2007 و2013، تم إجراء 14 حلقة عمل في الصين وميانمار والاتحاد الروسي.

المواقع المحلية

تم تنفيذ حلقات عمل مع تلقي الأخصائيين السريريين في عيادات فيروس العوز المناعي البشري المحليين دعماً من المنظمات غير الحكومية ومستشفيات البلديات التابعة للقطاع العام ومستشفيات إحالة الأمراض المعدية على مستوى المقاطعات. وكان الوصول إلى أخصائيي العيون المدربين على الصعيد المحلي محدوداً أو غير متوفر أصلاً في كل منطقة مع وجود سكان مصابين بحالات متقدمة من عدوى فيروس العوز المناعي البشري في كل منطقة.

التغيّرات ذات الصلة

تعلم الأخصائيون السريريون كيفية إجراء تنظير العين غير المباشر ثنائي العينية وتشخيص التهاب شبكية العين الناجم عن الفيروسة المضخمة للخلايا. وبعد انقضاء عام واحد على حلقة العمل، أجرى 32 متدرباً من أصل 38 متدرباً في ميانمار فحصاً منهجياً للعين للتشخيص المبكر لالتهاب شبكية العين الناجم عن الفيروسة المضخمة للخلايا كرعاية قياسية للمرضى المعرضين للمخاطر. وفي الصين والاتحاد الروسي، انخفضت معدلات النجاح حيث قدم 10 متدربين من أصل 15 متدرباً و3 متدربين من أصل 5 متدربين، على التوالي بيانات المتابعة.

الدروس المستفادة

يمكن تعلم المهارات اللازمة لتحري التهاب شبكية العين الناجم عن الفيروسة المضخمة للخلايا وتشخيصه في حلقة عمل تدريبية لمدة أربعة أيام يتم التدريب فيها على أداء مهام معينة. ويعتمد نجاح التنفيذ على الدعم المؤسسي والتدريب المستمر والدعم التقني. ويتمثل التحدي التالي في تسريع وتيرة هذا النهج في البلدان الأخرى.

摘要

问题

在资源贫乏的环境中，艾滋病（AIDS）相关的巨细胞病毒（CMV）视网膜炎仍然是被疏忽的失明原因。主要问题在于缺乏在患者接受护理并诊断了所有其他机会性感染的临床环境中诊断CMV视网膜炎的能力。

方法

我们开发和实施为期四天的讲习班来培训在艾滋病（HIV）诊所工作的临床医生如何执行双目间接检眼镜检查并诊断CMV视网膜炎。讲习班包括课堂理论教学和晚期艾滋病患者直接临床眼科检查。在2007年至2013年间，在中国、缅甸和俄罗斯联邦开展了14次讲习班。

当地状况

讲习班在艾滋病诊所的当地医生中进行，得到非政府组织、公共部门市级医院和省传染病转诊医院的支持。每个诊所接触本地培训的眼科医师和晚期艾滋病感染人群的机会有限或没有这样的机会。

相关变化

临床医师学会了如何进行双目间接眼底镜检查和诊断CMV视网膜炎。讲习班结束一年后，作为标准治疗，缅甸32名（共38名）学员对高危患者进行CMV视网膜炎早期诊断的系统视力检查。在中国和俄联邦的成功率较低，分别有10名（共15名）和3名（共5名）学员提供随访数据。

经验教训

可以在为期四天的任务型培训讲习班教授CMV视网膜炎的筛查和诊断所必需的技能。成功实施取决于机构的支持、持续的培训和技术支持。面临的下一个挑战是在其他国家推广这种方法。

Резюме

Проблема

Цитомегаловирусный (ЦМВ) ретинит, ассоциированный с синдромом приобретенного иммунодефицита (СПИД), остается часто игнорируемой причиной слепоты в условиях ограниченности ресурсов. Основной проблемой является отсутствие возможностей по диагностике ЦМВ-ретинита в клинических условиях, в которых получают лечение пациенты и диагностируются все остальные оппортунистические инфекции.

Подход

Был подготовлен и проведен четырехдневный семинар по обучению персонала клинических больниц по лечению ВИЧ методике бинокулярной обратной офтальмоскопии и диагностике ЦМВ-ретинита. Программа семинара предусматривала как инструктивные занятия в классах, так и непосредственно проведение проверки зрения пациентов с тяжелой формой СПИДа в клинических условиях. Всего на протяжении 2007-2013 гг. в Китае, Мьянме и Российской Федерации было проведено 14 семинаров.

Местные условия

Семинары проводились с участием местных клинических врачей клинических больниц по лечению ВИЧ при поддержке неправительственных организаций, государственных муниципальных больниц и областных инфекционных лечебно-диагностических центров. В каждом случае у врачей не было возможности широкого доступа к услугам местных офтальмологов и больным ВИЧ с прогрессирующей стадией заболевания.

Осуществленные перемены

Клинические врачи научились проводить бинокулярную обратную офтальмоскопию и диагностировать ЦМВ-ретинит. Через год после семинара 32 из 38 слушателей в Мьянме систематически проводили проверку зрения с целью ранней диагностики ЦМВ-ретинита в рамках стандартного обследования пациентов из группы риска. В Китае и Российской Федерации успехи были скромнее — данные для изучения предоставили 10 из 15 и 3 из 5 слушателей семинара соответственно.

Выводы

Навыки, необходимые для обследования и диагностики ЦМВ-ретинита, могут быть получены в ходе четырехдневного целевого учебного семинара. Успех внедрения зависит от институциональной и технической поддержки, а также непрерывного обучения. Следующей задачей является расширение этого подхода с охватом других стран.

Introduction

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a potentially blinding opportunistic infection that used to occur in up to one-third of HIV-infected patients in high-income countries before the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It accounts for over 90% of the blindness related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.¹1 Holbrook JT, Jabs DA, Weinberg DV, Lewis RA, Davis MD, Friedberg D; Studies of Ocular Complications of AIDS (SOCA) Research Group. Visual loss in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome before widespread availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Arch Ophthalmol. 2003;121(1):99–107. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archopht.121.1.99 PMID: 12523893
https://doi.org/10.1001/archopht.121.1.9... CMV retinitis has virtually disappeared in high-income countries due to the routine early diagnosis of HIV infection and initiation of ART. Now, CMV retinitis primarily affects HIV-infected patients in middle- and low-income countries who are diagnosed with advanced immunodeficiency (late presenters) in settings with limited resources or poor access to care.²2 Ford N, Shubber Z, Saranchuk P, Pathai S, Durier N, O’Brien DP, et al. Burden of HIV-related cytomegalovirus retinitis in resource-limited settings: a systematic review. Clin Infect Dis. 2013;57(9):1351–61. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cid/cit494 PMID: 23899681
https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cit494... ^,33 Heiden D, Ford N, Wilson D, Rodriguez WR, Margolis T, Janssens B, et al. Cytomegalovirus retinitis: the neglected disease of the AIDS pandemic. PLoS Med. 2007;4(12):e334. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040334 PMID: 18052600
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.004...

The fundamentals of CMV retinitis management are early diagnosis, specific anti-CMV treatment and ART.⁴4 Drew WL, Ehrlich KS. Management of virus infections (cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus). In: Volberding P, Sande M, Lange J, Greene W, Gallant J, editors. Global HIV/ AIDS medicine. Toronto: Elsevier; 2007. pp. 437–61. Diagnosis is achieved by clinical examination; the gold standard is binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy through a dilated pupil, performed by a trained examiner.³3 Heiden D, Ford N, Wilson D, Rodriguez WR, Margolis T, Janssens B, et al. Cytomegalovirus retinitis: the neglected disease of the AIDS pandemic. PLoS Med. 2007;4(12):e334. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040334 PMID: 18052600
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.004... Early diagnosis requires systematic screening of all patients with CD4+ T lymphocyte counts less than 100 cells/μL, because retinal damage may already be irreversible and extensive by the time the patient first reports symptoms.⁵5 Gellrich MM, Lagrèze WD, Rump JA, Hansen LL. Indikation zur Augenuntersuchung von HIV-Patienten–Screening-Parameter für CMV-Retinitis. [Indications for eye examination of HIV patients–screening parameters for cytomegalovirus retinitis]. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1996;209(08/09):72–8. German.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1035281 PMID: 8992086
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1035281... Unfortunately, ophthalmological care is generally not available to HIV patients in resource-poor settings because of stigma associated with the disease and the logistical challenges of referring patients who are gravely ill. Ophthalmologists are often not available at all, or are not motivated or trained to treat HIV-related eye complications. Since ophthalmologists are traditionally the only clinicians trained in both indirect ophthalmoscopy and diagnosis of CMV retinitis, timely ophthalmic consultation for diagnosis of CMV retinitis in resource-poor settings is virtually never achieved.⁶6 Sommer A, Taylor HR, Ravilla TD, West S, Lietman TM, Keenan JD, et al.; Council of the American Ophthalmological Society. Challenges of ophthalmic care in the developing world. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014;132(5):640–4. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2014.84 PMID: 24604415
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2...

In a wide selection of settings, we have directly observed the lack of diagnostic capacity, absence of systematic screening of high-risk patients, and dire clinical consequences of delayed diagnosis of CMV retinitis.³3 Heiden D, Ford N, Wilson D, Rodriguez WR, Margolis T, Janssens B, et al. Cytomegalovirus retinitis: the neglected disease of the AIDS pandemic. PLoS Med. 2007;4(12):e334. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040334 PMID: 18052600
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.004... A growing body of evidence demonstrates poor clinical outcomes in CMV retinitis, with 21–36% of eyes already blind when the patient is first examined by an ophthalmologist.³3 Heiden D, Ford N, Wilson D, Rodriguez WR, Margolis T, Janssens B, et al. Cytomegalovirus retinitis: the neglected disease of the AIDS pandemic. PLoS Med. 2007;4(12):e334. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040334 PMID: 18052600
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.004... ^,77 Shi Y, Lu H, He T, Yang Y, Liu L, Zhang R, et al. Prevalence and clinical management of cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS patients in Shanghai, China. BMC Infect Dis. 2011;11(1):326. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2334-11-326 PMID: 22115120
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2334-11-326... An increasing number of patients are successfully being treated for HIV, yet left permanently blind,⁸8 Pathanapitoon K, Ausayakhun S, Kunavisarut P, Wattananikorn S, Ausayakhun S, Leeungurastien T, et al. Blindness and low vision in a tertiary ophthalmologic center in Thailand: the importance of cytomegalovirus retinitis. Retina. 2007;27(5):635–40. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.iae.0000249575.38830.45 PMID: 17558328
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.iae.000024957... and there has been no apparent decrease in the burden of CMV retinitis over the past decade.²2 Ford N, Shubber Z, Saranchuk P, Pathai S, Durier N, O’Brien DP, et al. Burden of HIV-related cytomegalovirus retinitis in resource-limited settings: a systematic review. Clin Infect Dis. 2013;57(9):1351–61. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cid/cit494 PMID: 23899681
https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cit494...

Approach

During a 2006 evaluation of AIDS-related eye complications conducted by an ophthalmologist in HIV clinics in Myanmar, the high prevalence and consequences of failure to diagnose CMV retinitis became apparent. Therefore, a short, goal-oriented workshop in collaboration with other clinicians and ophthalmologists was devised for training non-ophthalmologist HIV clinicians to perform indirect ophthalmoscopy and diagnose CMV retinitis. This workshop was supported by the SEVA Foundation, Médecins Sans Frontières, Medical Action Myanmar and other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The workshop model evolved and improved over the course of 14 iterations in China, Myanmar and the Russian Federation; the current version is described in Box 1.

Workshop success is based on three key factors. First, the technique of indirect ophthalmoscopy is divided into small, well-described steps, accompanied by intensive practice with model eyes, and supported by four days of individual attention from trainers. Second, the didactic material is highly repetitive and the curriculum has a narrow focus on material necessary for diagnosis of serious AIDS-related opportunistic infections of the eye: CMV retinitis, HIV retinopathy, choroidal tuberculosis, syphilis, necrotizing herpetic infection, toxoplasmosis and myelinated nerve fibre layer. This narrow focus is logical and appropriate, given the extremely high pre-test probability that any white lesion diagnosed by indirect ophthalmoscopy in a patient with advanced AIDS will be either CMV retinitis or a cotton-wool spot.¹⁰10 Jabs DA. Ocular manifestations of HIV infection. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 1995;93:623–83. PMID: 8719695 The curriculum is not designed for training clinicians in primary eye care. Third, the workshop is based on active individual and group participation, and immediate immersion in clinical care. Trainees, both novice and experienced, participate in the didactic programme by presenting most lectures, and they spend over half their time examining and diagnosing patients. Experiential learning begins with clinical examinations on the first day and provides immediate context for future didactic material.

Relevant changes

To evaluate the implementation of CMV retinitis screening programmes following the workshops, we contacted former trainees and their supervisors to review self-reported clinical performance in the first year after training. We trained 65 people over the 14 workshops, of these, 58 were expected to provide clinical screening for CMV retinitis (two trainees failed to demonstrate satisfactory qualifications, and five were HIV advisors or administrators taking the course for educational purposes). We received information either from the trainee or a supervisor for 52 of the 58 (89.6%) successful trainees. Of these 52 trainees, 45 (86.5%) performed CMV retinitis screening in the first year after the training. During this year, a median of 120 screening examinations (interquartile range, IQR: 61–300) were performed and a median of 15 (IQR: 6–40) cases of CMV retinitis were diagnosed per trainee (Table 1).

Workshops have been conducted in Myanmar since 2007. This has directly led to systematic screening for CMV retinitis in HIV clinics for the majority of patients at risk enrolled in HIV treatment nationally. Screening coverage extends over most of the country, including areas in conflict. At the end of 2013, 67 643 patients were under treatment with ART in Myanmar, with 37 500 (55%) of these patients enrolled in the NGO programmes that provide routine screening for CMV retinitis. This success has occurred within the institutional structure of well-supported NGO programmes, with highly motivated clinicians, and with ongoing training and technical support.

In China, despite difficult communication and the almost complete lack of opportunity to provide technical support after the workshop, there was apparent evidence of success. Most trainees (10/11) provided information that they have implemented eye examination in their clinical care and are diagnosing cases of CMV retinitis. We had limited opportunity to guide trainee selection before the workshops, and several trainees were either unsuited to implementing retinal screening in their setting, did not work regularly in an HIV clinic or subsequently left the country to study overseas.

There was initial success in the Russian Federation. However, it was not sustained, due to trained clinicians being transferred, political difficulties in providing technical support, ambiguous health-care policies regarding eye skills for HIV clinicians and weak institutional support.

Discussion

Although this initiative is not part of current World Health Organization policy,¹¹11 Global health sector strategy on HIV/AIDS 2011–2015. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2011. we believe that examination of the retina by indirect ophthalmoscopy should be part of the standard initial physical examination for all HIV-infected patients who first present with advanced immunodeficiency. About 35% of individuals infected with HIV in low-income countries have a CD4+ T lymphocyte count less than 100 cells/μL before starting ART treatment; these are patients at risk for CMV retinitis.¹²12 Nash D, Katyal M, Brinkhof MW, Keiser O, May M, Hughes R, et al.; ART-LINC Collaboration of IeDEA. Long-term immunologic response to antiretroviral therapy in low-income countries: a collaborative analysis of prospective studies. AIDS. 2008;22(17):2291–302. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0b013e3283121ca9 PMID: 18981768
https://doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0b013e328312... Our experience, gathered over more than a decade, supports the strategy of clinicians diagnosing and treating CMV retinitis at the primary care level, as they currently diagnose and treat all other major opportunistic infections. We found that HIV clinicians in all three settings were generally motivated and enthusiastic to learn eye examination skills, and could be trained to accurately diagnose CMV retinitis. Furthermore, we found that clinicians completing the workshop had good agreement with expert ophthalmologists regarding the diagnosis of CMV retinitis.¹³13 Tun N, London N, Kyaw MK, Smithuis F, Ford N, Margolis T, et al. CMV retinitis screening and treatment in a resource-poor setting: three-year experience from a primary care HIV/AIDS programme in Myanmar. J Int AIDS Soc. 2011;14(1):41. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1758-2652-14-41 PMID: 21843351Heiden D, Saranchuk P, Tun N, Audoin B, Cohn J, Durier N, et al. We urge WHO to act on cytomegalovirus retinitis. Lancet Glob Health. 2014;2(2):e76–7. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70174-8 PMID: 25104662
https://doi.org/10.1186/1758-2652-14-41... This is consistent with a recent systematic review that found no difference in the reported prevalence of CMV retinitis, whether screening was performed by an ophthalmologist or by an HIV clinician trained in retinal examination.²2 Ford N, Shubber Z, Saranchuk P, Pathai S, Durier N, O’Brien DP, et al. Burden of HIV-related cytomegalovirus retinitis in resource-limited settings: a systematic review. Clin Infect Dis. 2013;57(9):1351–61. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cid/cit494 PMID: 23899681
https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cit494...

Once diagnosis of CMV retinitis is achieved, timely and appropriate anti-CMV treatment can be provided. The issue of treatment is not covered in this report, except to note that both intravitreal injection of ganciclovir and oral treatment with valganciclovir can be provided by trained clinicians at the primary care level.¹³13 Tun N, London N, Kyaw MK, Smithuis F, Ford N, Margolis T, et al. CMV retinitis screening and treatment in a resource-poor setting: three-year experience from a primary care HIV/AIDS programme in Myanmar. J Int AIDS Soc. 2011;14(1):41. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1758-2652-14-41 PMID: 21843351Heiden D, Saranchuk P, Tun N, Audoin B, Cohn J, Durier N, et al. We urge WHO to act on cytomegalovirus retinitis. Lancet Glob Health. 2014;2(2):e76–7. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70174-8 PMID: 25104662
https://doi.org/10.1186/1758-2652-14-41... ^,1414 Heiden D, Saranchuk P, Tun N, Audoin B, Cohn J, Durier N, et al. We urge WHO to act on cytomegalovirus retinitis. Lancet Glob Health. 2014;2(2):e76–7. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70174-8 PMID: 25104662
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70...

Routine point-of-care eye examination for HIV late presenters provides ancillary benefits. There is evidence that indirect ophthalmoscopy can immediately identify some patients with disseminated tuberculosis if choroidal tubercles are seen, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.¹⁵15 Saranchuk P, Bedelu M, Heiden D. Retinal examination can help identify disseminated tuberculosis in patients with HIV/AIDS. Clin Infect Dis. 2013;56(2):310–2. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cid/cis828 PMID: 22997215
https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cis828... Finally, cotton-wool spots, strongly associated with high HIV viral load,¹⁶16 Furrer H, Barloggio A, Egger M, Garweg JG; Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Retinal microangiopathy in human immunodeficiency virus infection is related to higher human immunodeficiency virus-1 load in plasma. Ophthalmology. 2003;110(2):432–6. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0161-6420(02)01750-5 PMID: 12578793
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0161-6420(02)01... may be clinically helpful for monitoring response to ART in settings without access to viral load testing, identifying patients who are non-adherent or who have a drug-resistant strain of HIV.

In conclusion, one of the main lessons learnt (Box 2) is that a well-designed four-day workshop is feasible and effective for training clinicians to perform indirect ophthalmoscopy and diagnose CMV retinitis. Clinical impact depends on the institutional support provided by the health-care system, and sustained training and technical support. To scale up these workshops, we need to provide widely accessible didactic materials; develop methods to systematically monitor clinical performance, and offer mentorship in the months following the workshop (e.g. via telemedicine); and identify clinicians who are willing and able to be future trainers. If these challenges can be met, we believe the fundamental necessary innovation of transferring ophthalmic skills and primary management of CMV retinitis to the HIV clinician will reduce the prevalence of AIDS-related blindness in middle- and low-income countries.

Acknowledgements

Russian Federation workshops: Marina Soboleva, the Congress of Russian Americans; Denice Barsness, California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Diagnostic Center; Aza Rakhmanova, Chief Infectious Disease Specialist for the City Health Committee of St Petersburg; Alexei Yakovlev, Professor and Chief of the Hospital, Botkin Hospital of Infectious Diseases; Tatyana Urievna Suprun, Chairwoman, TB Hospital No. 2.

China workshops: Ke Jingjing; Thomas Cai, Director, AIDS Care China; Liu Lu, Operations Officer, AIDS Care China; Bai Jinsong, Director of No. 3 Hospital of Kunming; Wayne E Fung, Retina Consultant, Pacific Eye Associates; Helen Fung, Research Associate, Pacific Vision Foundation.

Myanmar workshops: Linn Htet, Anita Mesic and Thin Thin Thwe, Médecins Sans Frontières/Holland, Myanmar Mission, Yangon Project; Frank Smithuis, Executive Director, Medical Action Myanmar; Wint Wint Thu, Medical Action Myanmar.

Funding:

Competing interests:

References

Publication Dates

History