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

Magdalena Kal; Michał Brzdęk; Mateusz Winiarczyk; Jerzy Mackiewicz; Dorota Kozieł; Dominik Odrobina; Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk

doi:10.5114/ms.2023.134085

eISSN: 2300-6722
ISSN: 1899-1874

Medical Studies/Studia Medyczne

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4/2023
vol. 39

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abstract:

Original paper

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

Magdalena Kal

^{1, 2}

,

Michał Brzdęk

^{1, 3}

,

Mateusz Winiarczyk

⁴

,

Jerzy Mackiewicz

⁴

,

Dorota Kozieł

¹

,

Dominik Odrobina

^{2, 5, 6}

,

Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk

^{1, 3}

Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Ophthalmic Clinic, Voivodeship Hospital, Kielce, Poland
Department of Infectious Disease, Voivodeship Hospital, Kielce, Poland
Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
Institute of Medical Science, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Ophthalmology Clinic Boni Fratres Lodziensis, Lodz, Poland.

Medical Studies/Studia Medyczne 2023; 39 (4): 342-351

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/ms.2023.134085

Online publish date: 2023/12/30

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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.

keywords:

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

Magdalena Kal 1, 2 , Michał Brzdęk 1, 3 , Mateusz Winiarczyk 4 , Jerzy Mackiewicz 4 , Dorota Kozieł 1 , Dominik Odrobina 2, 5, 6 , Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk 1, 3

COVID-19, D-dimers, interleukin 6, optical coherence tomography, retinal thickness

Magdalena Kal

^{1, 2}

,

Michał Brzdęk

^{1, 3}

,

Mateusz Winiarczyk

⁴

,

Jerzy Mackiewicz

⁴

,

Dorota Kozieł

¹

,

Dominik Odrobina

^{2, 5, 6}

,

Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk

^{1, 3}