Retinal Toxicity from Chronic Hydroxychloroquine use in Kenya

Ann Afr Med. 2022 Jul-Sep;21(3):301-304. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_118_21.

Abstract

Irreversible visual loss due to retinal toxicity is one of the side effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) therapy. The recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus-19 (COVID 19) has seen HCQ proposed as a possible treatment and prophylactic drug, leading to its increased use. Many are unaware of its ocular side effects. We describe a case of HCQ-induced retinopathy in a 46-year-old female who was referred by a rheumatologist for routine eye review.

Résumé La perte de vision irréversible secondaire à la toxicité rétinienne est l'un des effets indésirables du traitement à l'hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Nous décrivons un cas d'une patiente âgée de 46 ans, présentant une rétinopathie secondaire au traitement à l'HCQ référée par un Rhumathologue pour un examen ophtalmique. Mots-clés: Hydroxychloroquine, rétine toxicité rétinienne, rétinopathie.

Keywords: Hydroxychloroquine; retina; retina toxicity; retinopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects
  • Kenya
  • Middle Aged
  • Retina
  • Retinal Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Retinal Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine