Evaluation of Hutchinson’s sign in HIV associated herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Abstract

Abstract:

A prospective study of 100 serial HIV infected herpes zoster ophthalmicus patients, was done from December 1993 to June 1995, to determine the correlation between Hutchinson’s sign and ocular involvement. A mean age of 35.2 ±10.7 years and a male to female ratio of 2.22 to 1 was found. Ocular complications resulted in 78% of the patients. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value of the sign in detecting ocular involvement is 74%, 68%, 73%, 89% and 43% respectively. An H.Z.O. patient with Hutchinson’s sign is 2.33 times likely to have ocular involvement. However in areas where HIV associated H.Z.O. is highly prevalent, Hutchinson’s sign is not a reliable predictor of ocular involvement; therefore, it should be used with prudence. A future study on adequate number of patients is also recommended. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1997;11(3):295-298]