Systemic abnormalities commonly found in neurotrophic keratopathy patients, study finds
Patients with neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) frequently exhibit underlying autoimmune, dysimmune, and metabolic abnormalities, highlighting the potential role of systemic conditions in the disease and supporting the use of broader serological screening, according to a presentation at the Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting.
Investigators reviewed records from 36 adult patients diagnosed with NK who had available serological testing. Patients with active ocular infection or intraocular inflammation were excluded. Laboratory results were grouped into autoimmune markers, dysimmune markers, and metabolic measures, including vitamin levels.
Overall, 70% of patients tested positive for at least 1 abnormality across these categories. Autoimmune markers were present in 68.6% of patients, dysimmune markers in 58.3%, and metabolic abnormalities in 62.9%. Elevated antinuclear antibody was most common, followed by rheumatoid factor, anti-Ro, anti-La, and P-ANCA. Dysimmune testing frequently showed elevated anti-TS-HDS IgM and anti-FGFR3 IgG. Metabolic abnormalities included low levels of vitamins B2 and D, as well as elevated levels of vitamins B12 and B6.
The presenter concluded that the findings indicate that systemic immune and metabolic factors are commonly identified in patients with NK and may contribute to disease mechanisms.
Reference
Balbuena-Pareja A, et al. Autoimmune, dysimmune, and metabolic abnormalities as possible etiologies in patients with neurotrophic keratopathy. Poster presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 10–13, Washington, DC.
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