Analysis of choroidal thickness in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus and its correlation with laboratory tests

Abstract

Background The aim of this study is to investigate the alterations of choroidal thickness (CT) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). We also aimed to assess whether CT parameters correlated with systemic health status in JSLE patients. Methods JSLE patients and age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were recruited. A detailed ophthalmological examination was applied to all participants. CT measurements were acquired in the macular region using EDI-OCT. Moreover, a spectrum of laboratory tests was examined to evaluate the systemic conditions, and the Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg cytokine profiles in the peripheral blood were also analyzed in JSLE group. Results A total of 45 JSLE patients with no visual impairment and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. CT values in the macular region were decreased in JSLE patients when compared with healthy controls, even adjusting for age, axial length and refraction. There were no significant correlations between CT and cumulative dose of hydroxychloroquine or duration of hydroxychloroquine use (all P > 0.05). The average macular, temporal and subfoveal CT in JSLE group was negatively correlated with IL-6 and IL-10 (all P < 0.05), but had no significant correlations with other laboratory results (all P > 0.05). Conclusions JSLE patients without ocular involvement may have significant variations in choroidal thickness at the macular area. Choroidal alterations might be associated with the systemic cytokine profiles in JSLE.

Subclinical macular vessel density alterations in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

“…15 Some researchers reported a decreased choroidal thickness in both children and adult patients. 4,16 It was speculated that the thickness of the choroid may be related to the activity of the disease and different stages of the disease. Now, with OCTA, we can further study changes in choroid blood flow.…”

Changes in retinal and choroidal thickness and vascular density in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography

“…23 Although ocular symptoms are not included in the diagnostic criteria for SLE, ocular manifestations serve as significant indicators of disease activity due to their ability to directly visualize vascular alterations. 24 Previous animal experiments have indicated that retinopathy in SLE patients primarily arises from aberrant retinal microvasculature supplying the nerve fiber layer. 25 Inflammatory cells, immunoglobulins, and complement deposits within retinal blood vessels have been associated with retinal vascular hypoperfusion.…”

Unveiling Ocular Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…Sitaula et al however suggested that about 47% of SLE patients express ocular complications [32]. Retinal manifestations in SLE may mimic those found in vasculopathy [33][34][35], trauma, choriodopathy [36], metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and infections. The widespread, nonspecific nature of ocular as well as systemic manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus heralds the need for a systematic approach towards its diagnosis [37].…”