The correlation between C-reactive protein and normal tension glaucoma disease: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Disease

Background:

• Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is a prevalent form of glaucoma characterized by optic nerve damage and vision loss without elevated intraocular pressure.
• Systemic inflammation and vascular dysfunction are increasingly implicated in NTG pathogenesis.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-established marker of systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis, but its association with NTG is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
• To compare CRP levels in individuals with NTG versus controls.
• To evaluate CRP as a potential indicator in NTG.

Main Methods:

• A systematic meta-analysis of observational studies (case-control) was conducted.
• Studies were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus up to October 31, 2023.
• Data from ten studies involving 766 participants were analyzed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main Results:

• Meta-analysis revealed significantly higher CRP levels in individuals with NTG compared to controls (SMD: 0.731, P=0.014).
• No significant difference in CRP levels was found between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and controls (SMD=0.093, P=0.472).

Conclusions:

• Elevated circulating CRP levels are significantly associated with NTG.
• This suggests a potential role for systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of NTG.
• CRP may serve as an adjunctive marker for identifying high-risk individuals, warranting further prospective research.