Tomographic study of the papilla and the retinal nerve fiber layer in homozygous sickle cell patients in Cameroon

Nanfack Ngoune C; Nguepnang V; Nomo AF; Akono Zoua ME; MvilongoTC; Sina D; Tchetcha B; Bilong Y; Kagmeni G; Noche NC

doi:10.33545/26638266.2025.v7.i1a.220

Tomographic study of the papilla and the retinal nerve fiber layer in homozygous sickle cell patients in Cameroon

Author(s): Nanfack Ngoune C, Nguepnang V, Nomo AF, Akono Zoua ME, MvilongoTC, Sina D, Tchetcha B, Bilong Y, Kagmeni G and Noche NC

Abstract:
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe biometric changes in the papilla and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in SS homozygous sickle cell patients. Patients and Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study included 132 patients divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 42 SS homozygous sickle cell patients and group 2 consisted of 90 non-sickle cell patients. Biometric measurements of the papilla and RNFL were made using the Topcon SD-OCT 3D Maestro. The variables studied included: Age, number of annual vaso-occlusive attacks, hemoglobin S level, visual acuity, presence of sickle cell retinopathy, RNFL thickness and papilla parameters (vertical excavation and papillary surface).

Results: There was no significant difference (P=0.199) between the mean ages of group 1 (22.7+/-8.3 years) and group 2 (20.5+/-10.0 years). The mean RNFL thickness of group 1 was 108.8+/-7.8 ?m, and that of group was 2 114.8+/-10.3 ?m. The mean RNFL thickness decreased with age; for every additional year, it thinned by 0.42 ?m. This thinning was significant in the temporal region (P=0.000). The mean values for disc area (2.5+/-0.5 mm2) and vertical excavation in group 1 (0.5+/-0.1) were significantly higher than in group 2 (P=0.000 and 0.006).

Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography revealed temporal thinning of the RNFL, as well as a larger papillary surface and vertical excavation in SS homozygous sickle cell patients.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26638266.2025.v7.i1a.220

Pages: 28-33 | 70 Views 22 Downloads

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