Dr. PRADEEP KUMAR

Dr.Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Dr. ALOK SATI, Dr. SONALI V. KUMAR

Abstract

Background: There was a surge in cases of high altitude retinopathy (HAR) reporting to our hospital after the COVID pandemic which encouraged us to explore the link between COVID associated vasculopathy and HAR.

Methods: Observational, retrospective case series. Case records of consecutive cases of HAR reporting to our centre were scrutinised for three variables: occurrence of symptomatic COVID, testing positive for COVID and COVID vaccination. The association between individuals with & without a positive history of either of the three variables and occurrence & type of HAR was statistically analysed.

Results: HAR occurred at a higher rate in Individuals with any of the COVID related variables. Occurrence of symptomatic COVID showed the strongest occurrence. Raised D-dimer levels were positively associated with worse forms of HAR.

Conclusion: Symptomatic COVID patients are at higher risk of developing HAR. Raised D-dimer levels should be a contraindication for climbing high altitudes.

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