Exogenous Testosterone Use Increases the Risk of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a condition affecting vision.
• Exogenous testosterone (ExoT) therapy is increasingly used, but its potential systemic effects require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between exogenous testosterone (ExoT) use and the risk of developing central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational cohort study utilizing large-scale electronic health record data from MarketScan and STARR databases.
• Patients on ExoT therapy were identified and analyzed for CSCR status.
• Logistic regression was employed to assess the association between ExoT and CSCR risk, adjusting for relevant demographic factors.

Main Results:

• ExoT use was significantly associated with an increased risk of CSCR (adjusted odds ratio: 8.05).
• Individuals with CSCR on ExoT exhibited higher mean testosterone, hematocrit, and red blood cell counts in one dataset.
• No significant differences in treatment rates for CSCR were observed between ExoT users and non-users.

Conclusions:

• Exogenous testosterone (ExoT) therapy is associated with a significantly elevated risk of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).
• Ophthalmologists and endocrinologists should consider this association and monitor patients on testosterone therapy for ocular symptoms.
• Further research may elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking ExoT and CSCR.