Title: Analysis of Biomarkers (Homocystine/CRP) as Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration:  A Case Control Study

Authors: Dr Shweta Walia, Dr Vaibhav Sharma

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i3.170

Abstract

Introduction: Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disorder of the macular area that becomes clinically apparent usually after 50 years of age. When it progresses to advanced stages it can result in severe loss of central vision with significant impact on quality of life. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the western world. With the shifting of population distribution to older age groups, the prevalence, effect, and healthcare cost of AMD is expected to increase substantially

Purpose: To measure and contrast biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and homocysteine (Hcy)) in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and control individuals without AMD

Design: Case–control study

Participants: 30 AMD Cases and 30 Healthy Subjects who attended Eye department of Tertiary hospital.

Methods: Both affected and unaffected individuals underwent testing for hsCRP and homocysteine.

Main Outcome Measures: Mean hsCRP and homocysteine levels in affected and unaffected individuals.

Results: Mean hsCRP levels for affected and unaffected individuals were 7.107 and 2.10 mol/l, respectively (P value < 0.01; CI 95%).Mean homocysteine levels for affected and unaffected individuals were 15.89 and 9.67 mol/l, respectively (P value < 0.01; CI 95%). In logistic regression models, elevated hsCRP, and homocysteine were risk factors for AMD. There were no significant differences between cases and controls in terms of Age, gender, Diabetes and Hypertenson.

Conclusion: Elevated levels of hsC-reactive protein and Homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration

Keywords: ARM, Homocysteine, hsCRP, Inflammation.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Shweta Walia

Flat 117, A3, Milan Heights, Near Agarwal Public School, Indore, 452013

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