Purpose: HIV positive children underwent ophthalmologic examination to evaluate prospectively the incidence, and type of ocular involvement in pediatric AIDS.
Method: Two ophthalmologists examined the children during their pediatric examination, for two years. When possible, a retinography was performed.
Results: Among the 33 HIV positive children, 23 children developed AIDS according to CDC classification. The incidence was lower than reported in adult series. Retinal manifestations could be divided into two groups: 1. veinous dilatation and perivasculitis; 2. retinal opportunistic infections: Ocular Toxoplasmosis was the main finding. In addition we report one case of herpetic keratitis. Annexial complications were represented by conjonctivitis and molluscum contagiosum.
Conclusion: Manifestations of HIV infection in children appears to be different from adults. We recommend ophthalmic screening in all AIDS pediatric patients to diagnose and treat the infectious complications.