Ophthalmic manifestation of leukemias in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital,Kano,Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Haematological disorders, particularly leukemias, constitute a significant public health burden in Nigeria due to their associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the ophthalmic manifestations of leukemia among patients at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 61 patients with confirmed leukemia attending AKTH. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 22.

Results: Among the participants, 36 (59.0%) were males, with a mean age of 29.7 ± 13.1 years. Chronic myeloid leukemia was the most common subtype (52.5%), followed by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (23.0%), acute myeloid leukemia (16.4%), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (8.2%). Ocular manifestations attributable to leukemia were observed in 21.3% of patients, with retinal venous tortuosity being the most frequent finding (13.1%). Other manifestations included lid changes (8.2%), conjunctival changes (3.3%), and proptosis (1.6%). Ocular involvement was highest among patients aged 6–15 years (8.2%) and lowest among those aged 16–25 and 26–35 years (1.6% each). A statistically significant association was found between ocular changes and low-level occupation (p = 0.03). Ocular manifestations were more common in patients with high white blood cell counts (9.9%), low red blood cell counts (16.4%), and low platelet counts, with the latter showing a statistically significant association.

Conclusion: Ocular involvement is relatively common in leukemia and may have prognostic significance. Routine ophthalmic screening at diagnosis and during follow-up is recommended, particularly for patients with identified risk factors.