Retinal thickness in patients with elevated D-dimer and interleukin-6 levels as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to various health issues, including severe pneumonia, organ damage, as well as effects on the retina. Researchers have detected SARS-CoV-2 in the retinas of infected patients, and new imaging methods, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), are being used to investigate its impact on the eye. Aim of the research: To document changes in retinal thickness (RT) and their association with saturation (SpO2), D-dimers, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia. Material and methods: This prospective study included COVID-19 patients assessed after 2 months (Group 1) and re-evaluated after 8 months from hospital discharge (Group 2). RT was automatically assessed with OCT. Group 2 RT measurements were compared with those of healthy subjects, and D-dimers, IL-6, and SpO2 levels on admission were correlated with RT in group 1. Results: Group 2 exhibited a significant decrease in RT compared to group 1 in specific macular regions, accompanied by an increase in certain areas. Moreover, Group 2 demonstrated increased RT compared to a control group in specific regions. A positive correlation was observed between SpO2 ≤ 90% and RT in Group 1 in specific macular regions. Conclusions: RT in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection is altered at the 6-month follow-up. Hypoxia, hypercoagulability, and inflammation in COVID-19 can collectively influence RT.