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Published on: November 6, 2017
The Retinal Complications of C3 Dense Deposit Disease: A Scoping Review
Jolene McCarney1, Katie Curran1, Tunde Peto1,2
1Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK.
Insights
People with C3 Dense Deposit Disease (C3DDD) frequently experience retinal issues like drusen-like deposits. This review highlights the need for more global research on C3DDD ocular complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nephrology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- C3 Dense Deposit Disease (C3DDD) is a rare autoimmune condition.
- Ocular complications are common in C3DDD patients.
- Limited global data exists on C3DDD-related eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of retinal complications in C3DDD patients.
- To synthesize existing literature on ocular manifestations of C3DDD.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of literature from Embase, Medline All, and Web of Science databases.
- Screening and data extraction using Covidence and Excel.
- Analysis performed using SPSS Version 29.
Main Results:
- 38 studies (1990-2023) were included, predominantly case reports (67%).
- Studies originated from the United States (55%) and Europe (45%).
- Common findings include drusen-like deposits (75%), retinal pigment epithelial detachment (18%), macular atrophy (11%), and Choroidal Neovascularisation (16%).
Conclusions:
- C3DDD patients face significant risks of ocular complications, particularly retinal findings.
- Drusen-like deposits are the most frequently reported retinal complication.
- Further population-based studies are essential to understand C3DDD progression and management.
Abstract:
People with C3 Dense Deposit Disease (C3DDD), a rare autoimmune disease, often also have ocular complications. Due to the rarity of this disease, there is little known about ocular complications in populations across the world. This paper aimed to assess literature on retinal complications in people with C3 Dense Deposit Disease. A scoping review was conducted and three databases (Embase, Medline All, and Web of Science) were searched using agreed search terms and Boolean operators. All references were imported into Covidence for screening by two reviewers. Any conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. Data were extracted into an Excel spreadsheet and analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 29. After full text screening, 38 studies were included in the review. These studies were from 1990-2023 and most (67%) being case reports. All studies were conducted in the United States (55%) or Europe (45%). Most studies reported drusen-like deposits in the retina (75%) and retinal pigment epithelial detachment (18%) and macular atrophy (11%). Choroidal Neovascularisation (CNV) was found in 16% of cases. People with C3 Dense Deposit Disease are at risk of ocular complications, primarily drusen-like deposits. Further population-based research and progression is needed.

