Evaluation of progression predictability with systemic inflammatory biomarkers in keratoconus patients

This research aimed to assess the association between keratoconus (KC) progression and systemic inflammation markers. Additionally, we aimed to identify which specific systemic inflammation markers have a predictive effect on the progression of KC. 111 patients, including 69 with stable KC, and 42 with progressive KC were diagnosed and subsequently followed up between 2020-2023 at the Ophthalmology Clinics. This retrospective study also included 52 gender and age-matched healthy individuals who underwent examination at the Ophthalmology department. From the hemogram parameters, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and monocytes levels were used to calculate the systemic inflammation markers. When the KC patients and the healthy control group were related, significant differences were found in keratometry values (K1, K2, Kmax), astigmatism, central cornea thickness (CCT), and Baiocchi Calossi Versaci (BCV) values. No significant difference was detected when hemogram parameters except for neutrophils and platelets were compared in all groups (p>0.05). However, statistically significant differences were detected among the groups in the inflammatory values (p<0.001). When the post-hoc analysis of the groups was performed, the progressive KC patients were found to have statistically significant differences from stable KC and control groups in all inflammation parameters (p<0.001). However, no notable variation was observed between the stable KC and healthy group (p>0.05). Our research revealed a notable correlation between elevated inflammatory biomarkers and keratoconus progression, suggesting they may serve as independent prognostic indicators.